182 DOTTINGS ON THE ROADSIDE. [Chap. XI.—B. S. 
for their repulse, and took another which traversed a 
wood, and though that was rather irksome and difficult 
to pass, it had the advantage of avoiding the ambus¬ 
cades and batteries. 
When daylight was fully established, they found 
themselves on a little hill, still known by the name of 
“ Cerro de Advance,” from the top of which they per¬ 
ceived the full extent of the forces they had to con¬ 
tend with. The Spaniards were arranged in battle 
array, and their forces consisted of two squadrons of 
horse and four regiments of foot ; they had besides a 
number of wild bullocks, driven by Indians and ne¬ 
groes, by which odd addition they hoped to destroy 
an enemy whom they fancied ignorant of bull-fighting. 
The buccaneers, surprised at beholding a force so 
.much superior to their own, would instantly have re¬ 
linquished all thoughts of attack had an alternative 
been left them. But there was no choice. Dividing 
themselves into three battalions, two hundred men, 
the most skilful at their guns were sent as an advance 
guard, whilst the main body descended the hill, 
marching straight towards the enemy. These move¬ 
ments were the mutual signal for action. The Spa¬ 
niards, shouting “ Yiva el Bey,” immediately pushed 
forward their cavalry, accompanied by some of the 
foot regiments; but before they had time to inflict any 
injury Morgan’s advance guard discharged upon them 
a volley of musketry. The fighting now became gene¬ 
ral, and both sides displayed the utmost courage; the 
Spaniards, however, soon perceived that they had no 
longer naked Indians to contend with; that, on the 
