Donna Isabel threw herself at my feet, clasping my knees,
and covering my hands with kisses. She had lost all trace of the proud
beauty she had formerly possessed. Her skin had been burnt almost black
by the sun, and a mane of tangled white hair surrounded what had once
been a noble countenance. Only her eyes retained their brightness, and
at thought of rescue, and possible revenge upon her enemy Montbar, they
seemed to glow with unnatural fire.
I knew that Hartog would not have wished me to leave these wretched
outcasts to their fate, however little deserving they may have been of
our sympathy, so I invited them to accompany us back to the ship. They
came protesting they would henceforth be our slaves, ready, in all
things, to obey our slightest behest. But I had little faith in their
promises when their necessities should be relieved.
Hartog, as may well be imagined, was considerably surprised when we
returned on board with the remnant of the Spanish settlement in such
sorry plight, but he approved of what I had done in bringing them off
the island. They were sent forward, where they received every
attention. Donna Isabel was the only one allowed to berth in the cabin.
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