STRATAGEM. 
187 
Chap. XI.—B. S.] 
the prize to escape. The rage of Morgan knew no 
hounds, and he instantly dispatched three other boats 
to renew the search, which cruised several days and 
visited many ports and creeks, but met with no suc¬ 
cess. Their disappointment, however, was in some 
measure relieved by capturing a boat, and afterward 
at Taboga, a ship just arrived from Payta and laden 
with provisions, merchandise, and twenty thousand 
pieces of eight. 
A convoy, which had been sent to Chagres to ac¬ 
quaint those left in charge of the castle with the vic¬ 
tory of Panama, returned about the same time. The 
pirates of that place had dispatched two boats to cruise, 
which, meeting with a Spanish vessel, chased her in 
sight of the castle. The look-out on the tower per¬ 
ceiving the manoeuvre, instantly hoisted Spanish co¬ 
lours. The stratagem was successful. The vessel, in 
seeking refuge under the cannon of the stronghold, 
was boarded and plundered. Her cargo consisted 
chiefly of provisions, which proved a most welcome 
and timely supply, relieving the pirates from all fear 
of starvation. This news was joyfully received, and 
induced Morgan to prolong his stay at Panama. New 
excursions were made, and a heavy ransom imposed on 
every prisoner; if, after applying the torture, the un¬ 
fortunate beings proved unable to produce the requi¬ 
site sum, no quarter was granted, no sex or condition 
spared ; the old and the young, men as well as women, 
all were equally objects of hatred and cruelty. 
More than three weeks had now elapsed since the 
commencement of the dreadful catastrophe, and the 
