taken into their custody to make bread for themselves. As to swine, cows, sheep
     and poultry that were found upon the place, they took them likewise for their own
     sustenance, without allowing any share thereof to the poor prisoners. For these
     they only provided some small quantity of mules' and asses' flesh, which they kil-
     led for that purpose. And such as could not eat of that loathsome provision were
     constrained to die of hunger, as many did, their stomachs not being accustomed to
     such unusual sustenance. Only some women were found, who were allowed better cheer
     by the Pirates, because they served them in their sensual delights, to which those
     robbers are hugely given. Among those women, some had been forced, others were
     volunteers; though almost all had rather taken up the vice through poverty and
     hunger, more than any other cause. Of the prisoners many also died under the tor-
     ments they sustained, to make them confess where they had hidden their money or
     jewels. And of these, some because they had none nor knew of any, and others for
     denying what they knew, endured such horrible deaths.
     Finally, after having been in possession of the town four entire weeks, they sent
     four of the prisoners, remaining alive, to the Spaniards that were fled into the
     woods, demanding of thema ransom for not burning the town. The sum hereof they
     constituted ten thousand pieces of eight, which, unless it were sent to them, they
     threatened to fire and reduce into ashes the whole village. For bringing in of
     this money they allowed them only the space of two days. These being past, and the
     Spaniards not having been able to gather so punctually such a sum, the Pirates be-
     gan to set fire to many places of the town. Thus the inhabitants, perceiving the
     Pirates to be earnest, begged of them to help to extinguish the fire; and withal
     promised the ransom should be readily paid. The Pirates condescended to their pe-
     tition, helping as much as they could to stop the progress of the fire. Yet,
     though they used the best endeavours they possibly could, one part of the town was
     burnt even to dust. After they had received the sum above-mentioned, they carried
     on board their ships all the riches they had robbed, together with a great number
     of slaves which had not as yet paid their ransom. For all the prisoners had sums
     of money set upon them, and the slaves were also commanded to be redeemed. Hence
     they returned to Maracaibo, where being arrived they found a general consternation
     in the whole city. To which they sent three or four prisoners to tell the gover-
     nor and inhabitants: They should bring them thirty thousand pieces of eight on
     board their ships, for a ransom of their houses; otherwise they should be entire-
     ly sacked anew and burnt.
     Among these debates a certain party of Pirates came on shore to rob, and these