for ourselves betimes, unless we were able to encounter the whole force
of the city and country before day would be about us.

It pleased us but little, that we were defeated of our golden _Recua_,
and that in these we could find not past some two horse-loads of silver:
but it grieved our Captain much more, that he was discovered, and that
by one of his own men. But knowing it bootless to grieve at things
past, and having learned by experience, that all safety in extremity,
consisteth in taking of time [i. e., by the forelock, making an instant
decision]; after no long consultation with PEDRO the chief of our
Cimaroons, who declared that "there were but two ways for him: the one
to travel back again the same secret way they came, for four leagues
space into the woods, or else to march forward, by the highway to Venta
Cruz, being two leagues, and make a way with his sword through the
enemies." He resolved, considering the long and weary marches that we
had taken, and chiefly that last evening and day before: to take now the
shortest and readiest way: as choosing rather to encounter his enemies
while he had strength remaining, than to be encountered or chased when
we should be worn out with weariness: principally now having the mules
to ease them that would, some part of the way.

Therefore commanding all to refresh themselves moderately with such
store of victuals as we had here in abundance: he signified his
resolution and reason to them all; asking PEDRO by name, "Whether he
would give his hand not to forsake him?" because he knew that the rest
of the Cimaroons would also then stand fast and firm, so faithful are
they to their captain. He being very glad of his resolution, gave our
Captain his hand, and vowed that "He would rather die at his foot, than
leave him to the enemies, if he held this course."