"It is true," continued Harlan, "that the Spaniards greatly outnumbered the buccaneers, and they tried all sorts of schemes to defend the city. Among other things, they collected a great herd of bulls and drove them into the pirates' ranks with the hope that such disorder would be created as to make easy the enemy's destruction.
"But all that could be done in defence was useless against the villains who were greedy for gold. No mercy was shown, and death was the lot of all on either side who fell into the hands of their foes.
"After fierce fighting, which continued several days, Morgan and his men got into the city. Immediately the search for treasure was begun. Every house and building was ransacked, and if any inhabitant dared to resist, his life was immediately taken. Even helpless women and children were not spared."
"I don't see why they killed those who were unable to resist them," said Vasco.
"One reason why the pirates were so merciless was because of their disappointment. Though they did find vast stores of silver and gold, in many houses they were unable to find anything of value. This was because some of the people who lived in the city had hidden their treasure--in many cases burying it deep in the ground."
"That is so," interrupted Enrique, "and I have heard my father tell of seeing people come here to dig for buried gold. I never heard, though, that any one found much."
"Let Harlan go on with his story," said Vasco, sharply. "I want to hear how Morgan succeeded. Besides, I'm beginning to get hungry."
"There isn't much more to tell," said the young American. "When the pirates had finished their hunt they set fire to the city. At the same time they went on killing the people. Special vengeance was visited on the priests, for the robbers had been unable to find the great store of plate which the Church was supposed to possess.
"Morgan stayed here four weeks, taking everything of value, both on land and in the harbour. It is said that when he finally left the place it took one hundred and seventy-five mules to carry the plunder."
"What became of Morgan finally?" asked Vasco.
"Soon after his capture of Panama, I believe," replied Harlan, "he was appointed by King Charles the Second of England as deputy governor of Jamaica. Afterward King James the Second removed him and threw him into prison for his crimes."