Though these were
dispersed by a fierce charge, they followed the freebooters closely,
annoying them from the shelter of woods and thickets. The next day a still
larger ambuscade was laid, which, fortunately for the freebooters, was
discovered and dispersed in time, the fleeing Spaniards leaving their
horses behind.
Two days later New Segovia was reached. Here the buccaneers expected a
severe engagement, and hoped to gain a supply of provisions. In both they
were mistaken; the inhabitants had decamped, carrying all food with them.
Their prisoners, who had served them as guides to this point, knew nothing
of the country beyond, but they succeeded in taking a new prisoner who was
familiar with the further route.
The country they were passing through was mountainous and very difficult.
Steep acclivities had constantly to be climbed, narrow paths on the
borders of deep chasms to be traversed, and rapid slopes to be descended.
The nights were bitterly cold, the mornings were darkened by thick fogs,
and their whole route was attended with danger, discomfort, and fatigue.
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