Kemys proceeded up the Orinoco, his orders being to make for the mines without offering molestation; but if he were attacked he was to repel force by force. When encamped for the night half-way to the mines, he was set upon by the Spaniards, who hoped to take him by surprise, but who were repulsed, and who retreated, closely pursued by young Raleigh, who fell in the pursuit. The existence of mines was, however, proved, since four gold refineries were found in San Pome.
But Kemys had lost heart. The passes were in the hands of Spaniards, as were the forests and the banks of the streams, so that his followers were constantly shot down by unseen enemies. Returning, therefore, down the river, he rejoined his chief, with what was literally a sentence of death to the latter. Kemys could not bear his friend’s reproaches, and, in utter despair, he took his own life.
Four months later Raleigh was again in England, and on the 28th of October of the same year he expiated on Tower Hill his want of success; the illustrious victim being offered up by the contemptible James as a sacrifice to the implacable vengeance of Spain.
Note.—Chapter XVII. is founded on
“Life of Sir John Hawkins,” by Samuel Johnson, 2nd edition, 1787.
“Hawkins, (Sir John). Two Voyages made to the West Indies,” Hakluyt, III.
“Sir Francis Drake; The World Encompassed” (Hakluyt Society). 1854.
“Voyages of Drake;” Hakluyt, II. IV.; Purchas, I. IV.
“Life of Drake,” by Barrow.
“Raleigh (Sir Walter); Discovery of Guiana” (Hakluyt Society). 1848.