A picked boat's crew were to accompany the captain, who was now completely convalescent.

The rest were to divide in bands and scatter over the country, pillaging as they went, and setting fire to the houses.

It was considered that such consternation would be caused that nothing like resistance could be offered for some time, and by daybreak all hands were to gather at the landing place.
How far this spot was from the town, Francis had no means of learning.
There was a store of spare arms in the hold, and Francis, furnishing himself with a sword and large dagger, waited until he heard a great movement overhead, and then went upon deck and joined a gang of men employed in lowering one of the boats.

The boat was a large one, rowing sixteen oars and carrying some twenty men seated in the stern.

Here Francis took his place with the others.