The riches of Panama. The greatest gold-producing country. Output of mines. The treasure-house of Spain. Decadence of Panama. Indian uprisings. Slaves. Emancipation. Lost mines. Revolutions. The Panamanian people. A degenerate race. People of the interior. Inhabitants of cities. Business and industry. Exceptions to the rule. What the Americans have done. Lack of gratitude. Animosity. A wonderful land. Darien the unknown. Indians. The bravos. The pirates’ treatment of the Indians. Sharp’s trip across Darien. The sack of El Real de Santa Maria. El Real to-day. A deserted wonderland. XIX Panama New and Old 332 How Ringrose described Panama. Changes of to-day. In the city. A hustling modern town. Round the town. The old fort. Walls. Chiriqui and Las Bovedas. Where the creek once flowed. The old city wall. Churches. Odd architecture. Ruins. The Golden Altar of San José. Old Panama. The bridge crossed by Morgan. Ruins. St. Anastasio’s tower. Old fort and walls. Reconstruction of the ruins. The facts about old Panama. Burning of the city. Relics. Old Panama as it was. Wanton destruction. Morgan’s blackest deed. XX How Morgan Kept His Promise 349 Morgan’s rise to fame. The gathering of the great fleet. The taking of Old Providence. Treachery. The attack on San Lorenzo. A furious battle. The accident that won the day. Bravery of Spanish troops. Awful slaughter. Morgan’s arrival. Morgan garrisons the fort. Loss of ships. Up the Chagres. Overland. Hardship and sufferings. In sight of Panama. The battle before the city. The buccaneers’ victory. Deviltry let loose. Tortures and murder. Burning of the city. The return. Morgan’s gallantry. Sir Henry’s treachery. The pirate Judas. The dishonored chieftain. Monuments to the past. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS The Dangerous Voyage Frontispiece   FACING PAGE