So having strengthened ourselves for the time, we took our journey
towards Venta Cruz, with help of the mules till we came within a mile of
the town, where we turned away the _Recuas_, charging the conductors of
them, not to follow us upon pain of their lives.

There, the way is cut through the woods, above ten or twelve feet broad,
so as two _Recuas_ may pass one by another. The fruitfulness of the
soil, causeth that with often shredding and ridding the way, those woods
grow as thick as our thickest hedges in England that are oftenest cut.

To the midst of this wood, a company of soldiers, which continually lay
in that town, to defend it against the Cimaroons, were come forth, to
stop us if they might on the way; if not, to retreat to their strength,
and there to expect us. A Convent [Monastery] of Friars, of whom one was
become a Leader, joined with these soldiers, to take such part as they
did.

Our Captain understanding by our Cimaroons, which with great heedfulness
and silence, marched now, but about half a flight-shot before us, that
it was time for us to arm and take us to our weapons, for they knew the
enemy was at hand, by smelling of their match and hearing of a noise:
had given us charge, that no one of us should make any shot, until the
Spaniards had first spent their volley: which he thought they would not
do before they had spoken, as indeed fell out.

For as soon as we were within hearing, a Spanish Captain cried out,
"Hoo!" Our Captain answered him likewise, and being demanded "_Que
gente?_" replied "Englishmen!" But when the said Commander charged him,
"In the name of the King of Spain, his Master, that we should yield
ourselves; promising in the word and faith of a Gentleman Soldier,