pirate was expected daily, he resolved to go to Pangasinan, since it was so near, to converse with the master-of-camp, together with Sinsay—­a man well known on both sides—­through whose medium they could discuss the best methods for the confirmation of peace and friendship between the Chinese and Spaniards, and for the capture or death of the pirate.  With this resolution, they set out—­the Chinese for Pangasinan, where they arrived that same day; and the Spaniards for Manila, whither they were going for provisions.

Omoncon is cordially received by the master-of-camp, and entertained in Manila by the governor, with whom it is agreed that the Augustinian fathers shall go to China.  Chapter IX.

When the master-of-camp heard of the purpose of Omoncon, he received him cordially and courteously.  And having recounted to him the extremity to which he had brought the pirate (for it seemed impossible for the latter to escape from it, except by taking wings, like a bird), he advised Omoncon that, until the consummation of their hopes, which could not be long, he should go to Manila, which was quite near, and pass the time with the governor and the other Spaniards there—­because he [the master-of-camp] himself was quite sufficient to accomplish his purpose, and it was unnecessary that the king’s fleet should come thither, or sail out of the safe port where it had cast anchor.  For this purpose he offered to give Omoncon a vessel with oars (one of those that he used to bring provisions), under command of Pedro de Chaves, who was about to go to Manila—­assuring him that he would deliver the pirate to him, dead or alive, within the few days that all thought sufficient to end the undertaking.  Omoncon, considering this suggestion reasonable, acted upon it at once, and embarked with the above-named captain, sending through the high seas the ship in which he had come thither, because of its great size and draught.  This ship returned to anchor at the river whence they had set out, because of the strong winds that prevailed; these proved but little hindrance to the oared vessel, because it went along the land, sheltered thereby from the winds.  In a few days they arrived at the port of the city of Manila, where they were well received and feasted by the governor.  Omoncon remained there several days, after which, seeing that the siege was continuing, and that his delay there might cause some suspicion of his death—­and knowing, too, that the fleet was waiting for him, and was quite ready to proceed to attack the pirate, who he was assured would not escape from the Spaniards who were besieging him; and that the Spaniards would, without any doubt, send Limahon, either dead or alive, to the king, as they had promised—­he resolved to return to China, with this good news, purposing to come hither again, in order to get the pirate after he should be captured.  Having resolved upon this, at the end of several days he went to the governor, to whom he communicated all