It may be that news has preceded us, and it is as well to gather what intelligence we can." The boys withdrew from the road, Don Estevan proceeding ahead.

They heard the sound of the galloping hoofs pause, as their rider met the Spaniard.

There was a talk for a few minutes, and then the horseman again rode forward at full speed.

Don Estevan paused for a little while, to allow him to get beyond earshot, and then rejoined his companions.
"I have great news," he said, "and it is for you to decide whether it will alter your plan of proceeding.

The man whom I have just met is a messenger, dispatched by the governor of Arica to Lima, to warn the governor there that an English ship, under the noted freebooter Francis Drake, has put into that harbor; and has started again, sailing for the north, after exacting certain contributions, but otherwise refraining from injuring the town." The boys gave a shout of joy, for they had begun to fear that the expedition must have met with some disaster, in doubling Cape Horn, and been compelled to return.
"What will you do ?" the Spaniard asked.
"Return to Lima!" the boys exclaimed, simultaneously.