"O, our wives and children!" some one hoarsely cried.
"Comandante, for the love of God, bethink yourself!" remonstrated Farquharson.
"Sight those guns!" persisted Barcelo in a voice of thunder. "Now's your time! The ship's showing bottom like a dying fish. Hit the line, men, between air and water! Fire!"
Hill and valley again boomed in angry refrain. Over the bay skimmed the shot, true poised for distance, but scattering a course a quarter mile from the flagship's side.
Deck and port-hole of the great vessel frowned on the upstart who dared dispute the coming of the giant.
Away from the castle grounds in confusion tumbled the crowds that had so gayly come to enjoy a holiday.
Panic-stricken, Monterey held its breath, each instant seeing the next instant terrible in red destruction, to satisfy the Briton's vengeance.
Still the flagship swung, the circle widening, her cannon sullenly silent.
Helm hard down, she put about till Monterey lay astern. Her sails unfurled. Proud in the knowledge of her unused strength she spurned castle and capital and made majestically for the open sea.
One by one the warships wheeled and followed the leader, in triangular lines, as before.