.

THE REBELS-CONVICT.
There were, when the purple gloom of the tropical night descended upon the Caribbean, not more than ten men on guard aboard the Cinco Llagas, so confident--and with good reason--were the Spaniards of the complete subjection of the islanders.

And when I say that there were ten men on guard, I state rather the purpose for which they were left aboard than the duty which they fulfilled.

As a matter of fact, whilst the main body of the Spaniards feasted and rioted ashore, the Spanish gunner and his crew--who had so nobly done their duty and ensured the easy victory of the day--were feasting on the gun-deck upon the wine and the fresh meats fetched out to them from shore.

Above, two sentinels only kept vigil, at stem and stern.