Nearer and nearer their enemies approached. The odds were fearfully against them. The English well knew that the Spanish ships would be crowded with men, who would, in overwhelming numbers, should they get alongside, endeavour to crush them. But their hearts did not fail. Cheering each other they rowed on, resolved if overtaken to fight to the last. Drake, however, had no idea of risking an action, for even though he might gain the victory, his ship and many of his people would be injured, and he would probably be compelled to abandon his undertaking. As the voyagers watched the approaching foe, to their great joy they saw cats'-paws playing over the ocean; then their sails were filled by a breeze, which increased to a fresh gale, and away they flew on their desired course. Still the Spanish ships followed, and the next morning appeared to be gaining on the _Golden Hind_. By noon, however, they were seen to haul their wind and turn back, the reason being that the Spaniards, in their hurry to get on board, had forgotten to bring with them any provisions, and, like other men, had no desire to fight on empty stomachs. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. VOYAGE OF SIR FRANCIS DRAKE, CONTINUED--A.D. 1579. The _Golden Hind_ chases the _Cacafuego_--Pursued by the Spaniards-- Captures several vessels--The Line crossed--When off Cape Francisco a sail seen ahead--The _Cacafuego_ heaves to--Is captured and plundered-- Dismissed with a letter from Drake--The _Hind_ puts into Cano--Other prizes taken--Sails for Guatuico--A council interrupted, and judge and prisoners carried off--Booty obtained--The pilot Da Silva and all prisoners set at liberty--The _Hind_ sails northward--Bitter cold-- Driven to the southward--Puts into the bay of San Francisco--A fort built--Natives appear--Friendly behaviour--Strange ceremonies--Visit from the King, who makes his country over to her Majesty--Drake horrified at the attempt of the natives to worship him--They at length take their departure--Drake's excursion into the country--Sees deer-- Coneys--Native huts--Preparations for departure--Grief of the natives-- The _Golden Hind_ sails away--The country named Albion. Onward pressed the _Golden Hind_, her crew eager to overtake the richly-laden _Cacafuego_, or the _Spitfire_, as we will translate her name. Drake considered that she was likely to touch at other ports to take in more cargo, and, trusting to that circumstance and to her being occasionally becalmed, he confidently hoped to overtake her before she could reach Panama and land her cargo.