Isabel
then threw herself on her knees, and implored me not to abandon her,
and her people, to death by slow starvation, which the landing of so
great a company on such an uninviting shore would mean. But I was
obdurate. 'Be thankful,' said I, 'that your lives are spared you. It is
not for me to interfere with the decrees of Fate. This punishment for
having stolen their vessel from those who trusted you, and to whom you
were bound by the laws of hospitality, has clearly been ordained by
Providence. Land, then, and, by your submission in face of adversity,
seek to atone for your treacherous conduct.'
"The party being landed and left to shift for themselves, I resolved to
continue my voyage to this place, of which I had been given the
bearings, in order that I might restore to you your ship, for I take no
booty except from Spain."
We again thanked our generous visitor, nor could we do less than place
ourselves and our ship at his disposal.
"Come back with me, then," said Montbar, "and join our band. I have
voyaged far into these southern latitudes in search of treasure, and I
may tell you that the islands of the south are by no means comparable
with those in the west.
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