He himself was the son of a southern chief--one Desmond; and, after living some years in Spain, was now attached to the enemy's forces.

He was close enough as to the movements of the fleet, and so soon as he had seen us fed, he bade us come with him to the Don.
The deck was as crowded as Fleet Street, and, as we passed to the poop, very few of these gay Spaniards took the trouble to look after us, or wonder how we came there.

Only, when Ludar, as we reached the commander's door, suddenly took his sword and flung it out to sea, did a few of them stare.

I followed my comrade's example.

The sea had as much right to my weapon as a Spaniard, and I was thankful to see that Ludar, in this respect, was of the same mind with me.
In the cabin was a tall, elderly, slightly built man, clad in a fine black steel breastplate, with a crested helmet on the table before him.
He stood bending over a chart, which several of his officers were also examining; and as he looked quickly up at our entry, I was surprised at the fairness of his complexion and the grave mildness of his demeanour.
Our Irish guide briefly explained who we were and how we came on board.
Don Alonzo--for that was his name--eyed us keenly; and addressing Ludar, said in a broken English: "You are Irish.