The harbour is commanded by a strong
fortress, well fortified, and mounted with cannon. Three ships were at
anchor, a Spanish frigate and two smaller vessels, one flying the flag
of England, and the other displaying the colours of the Netherlands.
We had barely found our moorings when a boat from the man-o'-war came
alongside, steered by a young Spanish officer, who bore as much
arrogance in his demeanour as there was to be seen gold lace and brass
buttons upon his uniform. He haughtily demanded an interview with the
captain, but upon Hartog stepping forward his manner became less
offensive, and finally they descended together to the cabin, being
shortly afterward joined by Donna Isabel.
Since I was not invited to this conference, I was forced to remain on
deck, feeling very jealous of the influence which Donna Isabel exerted
over Hartog, to the destruction of the mutual trust and confidence
which had formerly existed between us. I felt, also, there was trouble
in store for us. Hartog, although brave and resourceful upon the sea,
was but a child when it came to dealing with business matters ashore,
and I well knew that he would prove no match for the wily Spaniards
with whom he was now in consultation.
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