they made him the most solemn assurances not only of their co-operation in the island, but of the friendliness of all the different nations on the main land should it become known amongst them, that Sir Walter came as the enemies of the Spaniards; and when he promised them, that if he had of them proper guidance to the new city he would rout their oppressors out of it, they seemed so overjoyed they could scarce speak, and said they were ready on the instant to do whatever he should desire of them.

Matters being so far favourable, the officers of the ships were called together into his cabin to consult with their commander as to the best measures to be pursued at this crisis of their affairs; and then Sir Walter reminded them of how treacherously this Don Antonio de Berrio had entrapped eight of Captain Whiddon's men in his voyage last year-how he had with devilish cunning, endeavoured to cast away their vessels upon the rocks for the purpose of the more easily attacking them with his soldiers, and with what extreme cruelty he did torment the poor natives to get from them where they had concealed their treasures. Then he stated, as it was not possible to pass the Orinoco in his ships, he must leave them behind him some four or five hundred miles, whilst he got along as he best might in the small boats, which could never be done with any safety to the former,

should he leave a garrison at his back, who were anxious to spoil his enterprise, and as he had heard of the Indians were in daily expectations of great supplies out of Spain. Believing too, as he could not help doing, that the Spaniards would plot his overthrow as soon as they could do it with any chance of success, he stated it was safest to come upon them unawares before they could hatch their schemes; and he doubted not at all of being able to give them so absolute an overthrow as should sufficiently punish them for their villainy.

This was marvellously well liked of all the captains, for there was scarce one there who did not burn with impatience to be at the Spaniards; and it was soon agreed that the following evening a strong force should be secretly got ready to attack the settlement before them, whence it was immediately to proceed to the new city San Josef de Oruño, to endeavour to take the governor prisoner. In consequence of this resolve, all who belonged to the expedition were as joyful as such brave spirits could be, their dislike of the Spaniards was so great ; and every one was wanting to be of the party; but as it was necessary some must be left behind to take care of the ships, many those who were the readiest to volunteer were huge disappointed, because of their ill fortune in not being allowed to go with the others. It may readily be believed that of all who were in delight of the approaching en

counter was there none so well pleased as Harry Daring, When he heard of it he flung his cap up in the air, and hurraed and jumped about as if he were crazed with joy. The evening before he could sleep nothing, because of his thinking so much of what he would do when the fighting began, and the exquisite fine fun he should have in it. He would scarce allow Master Francis, who slept with him, to get a wink, he kept so continually asking of him how such and such a great knight's esquire had behaved when he first ventured into battle, and a many more of questions to the like purpose, whereof the other at first gave him such answers as seemed to inflame his humour the more, for he straightway waxed so wonderfully inquisitive on all warlike matters, that Master Francis got tired of it, and was obliged to tell him pretty sharply to hold his prate, for that he could get no sleep for him. In the morning, as soon as might be, he was found in an out-of-the-way corner, practising with one of the most experienced swordsmen in the ship the cunningest cuts that he knew of, and it was exceeding fair diversion to observe how earnestly the boy set about his lesson, evidently taking such huge delight in it as shewed he had a greater liking for such things than he had found when he was apprentice to the barber chirurgeon in Eastcheap. As the time drew on he grew more impatient. He must needs sharpen his sword to make it cut

well-then he would polish up his piece and oil the lock, so that it should not miss fire.

Sir Walter Raleigh, who had taken great note of him, came up with Master Francis as Harry was busy in the steerage getting ready his accoutrements, assisted by a young Indian, whose affections he had gained by cudgelling of a big fellow who had been using of him ill, jeering him and playing him all manner of shameful tricks, ever since which Harry had acted towards him as a sort of patron, and would allow him to be despisingly used on no account. This youth, though dressed as a humble ship-boy, had a manner with him of wonderful courteousness. His face, albeit his complexion was of the darkest, was not uncomely, and his eyes were exceeding bright and expressive; indeed, there was often noticed in him, for all he seemed so simple and humble at other times, a look of pride and haughtiness, that did the more draw on him the uncivil remarks of some of his companions. He had been brought to England by Captain Whiddon; and being of Guiana, and of an intelligent nature, it was thought he might be of service in the present adventure.

"Now, Snowball," exclain

he was loading of his piece and

ing on with wondering eyes,

Harry Daring, as

other was look

"you see, having

cleaned the barrel and oiled the lock as well as

I

may,

I presently put in powder, for there shall be no going off of the piece at any time unless there be powder in it."

"Deara me!” cried the boy, looking from the gun to its possessor with unfeigned astonishment and admiration.

"Then, Snowball," continued Harry with the like importance of manner, "I put me in this bullet, for it be a sure thing there shall be no killing of any one unless there be a bullet with the powder."

"Oh, my!" said the other, after the same wondering fashion as at first; for it seemed a very marvellous thing to the simple Indian.

"The which done, I next place a pinch of the powder in the pan, for if that be not done it shall be of no use to you to load your piece at all."

"Dat very strange! Massa Harry," exclaimed the boy with more wonder than ever.

"Then, supposing you to be one of those villainous caitiffs the Spaniards," continued his companion, as he raised the weapon to his shoulder and pointed the barrel towards the young Indian, "I take aim at you thus-intending to have the killing of you on the instant."

66

No, Massa Harry, you no killa me, if you please, sar!" cried the youth, as he shrunk down in some affright and looked imploringly towards