They were
whole _Recuas_, and loaded but with victuals for the most part, so that
the loss of them were far less if the worst befell, and yet they should
serve to discover them as well as the best.
Thus by the recklessness of one of our company, and by the carefulness
of this traveller; we were disappointed of a most rich booty: which
is to be thought GOD would not should be taken, for that, by all
likelihood, it was well gotten by that Treasurer.
The other two _Recuas_ were no sooner come up to us, but being stayed
and seized on. One of the Chief Carriers, a very sensible fellow, told
our Captain by what means we were discovered, and counselled us to shift
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.
Pages:
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96