"'Then it is simply this—this young Englishman, saved my life when I was sinking—ay, after he had fallen overboard from his own vessel, and had nothing between himself and death but the plank he clung to. He saved my life!—You know, since the coast now swarms with enemies, that you will need my help—you know it.'
"'Si, si—es cierto, cierto.'
"'Then this young Englishman must neither be injured nor left amongst the savages here. He must go with us.'—(Here some of the ruffians made very unequivocal demonstrations).—'Ay, you may threaten, but it is the price of my services.'
"Suddenly they all appeared to acquiesce.
"'So here, give me another knife.'—He crossed them—(Hamlet, thought I)—'Swear by the blessed Mary, the patroness of your polacre, that it shall not be your fault if he be not safely landed at Havanna.'
"'But he will inform on us to the comissionados [commissioners] at Havanna, when we get there.'
"'He will not,' rejoined he fiercely,—'He shall not.' Then turning to me—'Young gentleman, bear me out; your life depends on it. Promise you will in no way bring them into trouble if you can help it.'
"I did so.
"'There, he promises, and I will be answerable for him that he keeps his word—so swear.'
"They took the oath, and each one of the white Spaniards, the survivors of the two crews, now reduced to twenty-three, shook hands with me, and kissed the crossed blades, and from that moment we were as cordial as pickpockets.