“Dead!” exclaimed Philip; “and how?”

“He was found dead on the beach, under a high cliff, and the body of the Commodore was in his arms; indeed, they were both grappled together.  It is supposed, that in his walk up to the top of the hill, which he used to take every day, to see if any vessels might be in the Straits, he fell in with the Commodore—­that they had come to contention, and had both fallen over the precipice together.  No one saw the meeting, but they must have fallen over the rocks, as the bodies are dreadfully mangled.”

On inquiry, Philip ascertained that all chance of saving the Lion had been lost after the second night, when she had beat in her larboard streak, and had six feet of water in the hold—­that the crew had been very insubordinate, and had consumed almost all the spirits; and that not only all the sick had already perished, but also many others who had either fallen over the rocks when they were intoxicated, or had been found dead in the morning, from their exposure during the night.

“Then the poor Commodore’s prophecy has been fulfilled!” observed Philip to Krantz.  “Many others, and even the Admiral himself, have perished with him—­peace be with them!  And now let us get away from this horrible place as soon as possible.”

Philip then gave orders to the officer to collect his men, and the provisions that remained, for immediate embarkation.  Krantz followed soon after with all the boats, and before night everything was on board.  The bodies of the Admiral and Commodore were buried where they lay, and the next morning the Dort was under weigh, and, with a slanting wind, was laying a fair course through the Straits.

Chapter XIX

It appeared as if their misfortunes were to cease, after the tragical death of the two commanders.  In a few days, the Dort had passed through the Straits of Magellan, and was sailing in the Pacific Ocean, with a blue sky and quiet sea.  The ship’s company recovered their health and spirits, and the vessel being now well manned, the duty was carried on with cheerfulness.

In about a fortnight, they had gained well up on the Spanish coast, but although they had seen many of the inhabitants on the beach, they had not fallen in with any vessels belonging to the Spaniards.  Aware that if he met with a Spanish ship of superior force it would attack him, Philip had made every preparation, and had trained his men to the guns.  He had now, with the joint crews of the vessels, a well-manned ship, and the anticipation of prize-money had made his men very eager to fall in with some Spaniard, which they knew that Philip would capture if he could.  Light winds and calms detained them for a month on the coast, when Philip determined upon running for the Isle St Marie, where, though he knew it was in possession of the Spaniards, he yet hoped to be able to procure refreshments for the ship’s company,