Away to the north-west, in an exciting race; away for the island of Sacrificios! On struggled the ships, bending to the breeze and cleaving the crystal water with their bold bows; on the steamers, beating the blue waves into a milky way, and dragging the laden boats in their foamy track.

On followed the boats through the hissing and frothy caldron.

Loud rolled the drum, loud brayed the bugle, and loud huzzas echoed from the adjacent shores.
Already the foe was alarmed and alert.

Light horsemen with streaming haste galloped up the coast.

Lancers, with gay trappings and long pennons, appeared through the openings of the hills.