If I return alive, and without accident of any kind to hinder our free sailing hence, Don Diego shall have his life, as shall every one of you.

But if there is the least misadventure, be it from treachery or ill-fortune--I care not which--the battle, as I have had the honour to explain, will be opened on our side by this gun, and your father will be the first victim of the conflict." He paused a moment.

There was a hum of approval from his comrades, an anxious stirring among the Spanish prisoners.

Young Espinosa stood before him, the colour ebbing and flowing in his cheeks.

He waited for some direction from his father.