"Into the wind, Mr Lambert, and heave to," growled the tall Captain, and Lambert shouted the order. The ship was small, shallow-keeled, but boasted a wealth of canvas. And she was heavily armed. The ship creaked silently to rest, the water in the small cove as still as a pond. Around them, turquoise sea alternated with dark patches of coral. Behind them, the Sun blazed down upon the crystal-white sand of a deserted beach. "Keep her bow- out, Lambert." The Captain strode to the bowsprit and kneeled there, spyglass to his eye. "Time, Lambert." The First Mate studied the rude chronometer he carried. "Ten minutes after the hour of two, Sir." The Captain lowered his glass, and through a grim smile said "she's right on time."

Against the horizon, a large merchant vessel could be seen making way to the East. "It's the Contessa D'Albina," said the Captain. "She's unescorted. Either she carries nothing of value, or she's on a short leg from Hispanola to Jamaica and she's sacrificed safety for speed. She seems low in the water, Lambert'" and then more loudly "up sails and at her!"

In a moment, the British ship was in full sail and closing on the Spanish Merchantman."When in range, give her a bow shot Mr Lambert," said the Captain. The first shot struck the Merchantman at the rudder, and she immediately turned helplessly into the wind. Her flank crept slowly around, and the hatches were pulled from over her smooth-bore cannons. "Stay aft of her, Lambert. We can pick her apart at our leisure." A second shot from the English bow-cannon exploded into the aft cabin and cries of anguish and panic were heard. The Captain grimly smiled again. "Tell Porter to switch to heated shot and pour on til she strikes colors." The stern of the Contessa was roaring in flame by the time she ran up the white flag. The English ship was drawn up alongside, and, with some effort, the fire was extinguished. The Spanish Captain was brought aboard, and he bowed and presented his sword to the English Captain, who dismissed him. The Captain called Lambert to him. "Mr Lambert, pick a crew of our best men. I'll take the Spaniard galley from here. Have you inspected her cargo?" Lambert smiled. "Gold, Captain. Mexican bouillion fresh from Montezuma's mines." The Captain's face broke into a broad smile. "Excellent! Tell the men the good news. Then take our warship and deposit the Spaniards on the island." Lambert stammered "it's..uncharted..deserted..." The Captain lost his smile. "Give them three days food and water. God Himself would do no more. Now go and carry out your orders."

"Aye aye Captain Thornton," said the Mate.