They all expressed their gratitude for the attention they had met with from the sheriff and the inferior officers.  Many pressed the hands of the turnkey to their lips, others to their hearts and on their knees, prayed that God, Jesus Christ, and the Virgin Mary would bless him and the other jailors for their goodness.  They all then fervently joined in prayer.  To the astonishment of all, no clerical character, of any persuasion, was present.  They repeatedly called out “Adonde esta el padre,” (Where is the holy father).

[Illustration:  The execution of ten pirates.]

Juan Hernandez called on all persons present to hear him—­he was innocent; what they had said about his confessing himself guilty was untrue.  He had admitted himself guilty, because he hoped for pardon; but that now he was to die, he called God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints, to witness that he spoke the truth—­that he was no pirate, no murderer—­he had been forced.  The Lieutenant of the pirates was a wretch, who did not fear God, and had compelled him to act.

Juan Gutterez and Francisco de Sayas were loud in their protestations of innocence.

Manuel Lima said, for himself, he did not care; he felt for the old man (Miguel Jose).  How could he be a pirate who could not help himself?  If it were a Christian country, they would have pardoned him for his gray hairs.  He was innocent—­they had both been forced.  Let none of his friends or relations ever venture to sea—­he hoped his death would be a warning to them, that the innocent might suffer for the guilty.  The language of this young man marked him a superior to the generality of his companions in misfortune.  The seamen of the Whim stated that he was very kind to them when prisoners on board the piratical vessel.  Just before he was turned off, he addressed the old man—­“Adios viejo, para siempre adios.”—­(Farewell, old man, forever farewell.)

Several of the prisoners cried out for mercy, pardon, pardon.

Domingo Eucalla, the black man, then addressed them.  “Do not look for mercy here, but pray to God; we are all brought here to die.  This is not built for nothing; here we must end our lives.  You know I am innocent, but I must die the same as you all.  There is not any body here who can do us any good, so let us think only of God Almighty.  We are not children but men, you know that all must die; and in a few years those who kill us must die too.  When I was born, God set the way of my death; I do not blame any body.  I was taken by the pirates and they made me help them; they would not let me be idle.  I could not show that this was the truth, and therefore they have judged me by the people they have found me with.  I am put to death unjustly, but I blame nobody.  It was my misfortune.  Come, let us pray.  If we are innocent, so much the less we have to repent.  I do not come here to accuse any one.  Death must come one day or other; better