Page:A Mainsail Haul - Masefield - 1913.djvu/155

Rh in a bad mood, because he was not the chief commander of the expedition; that post having fallen to Richard Sawkins, a valorous imp of fame who was more popular than he. Two days after landing he had "some Words" with another company commander, one Peter Harris, a Kentish gentleman. On this occasion he so far forgot himself as to say Dn, and to whip up a gun and to fire at Peter Harris, who was by no means backward in retaliating. However, another company captain "brought him to be quiet," and so the voyage continued. Santa Maria was duly captured, "but when they got there, the cupboard was bare," for the month's take of gold has just been sent to Panama. This disappointment caused the buccaneers much annoyance. Some were for returning to their ships at Golden Island. Others, more venturous, were for attacking Panama. Coxon, who had taken Santa Martha and Porto Bello, was for returning to the ships, because, he argued, the honour of any further exploit, in this galère, will fall, not to me, but to Richard Sawkins. However, Sawkins was not so covetous of honour as Coxon thought. He caused the buccaneers to