THEY then resolved to return to the isle of Pines, where they had left their ships, and consult about the measures they were now to take; and having arrived, August 1st, at their former station, they dismissed Captain Rouse, who, judging it unsafe to stay any longer on the coast, desired to be no longer engaged in their designs. But Drake, not to be discouraged from his purpose by a single disappointment, after having inquired of a negro, whom he took on board at Nombre de Dios, the most wealthy settlements, and weakest parts of the coast, resolved to attack Carthagena: and setting sail without loss of time, came to anchor August the 13th, between Charesha, and St. Barnard's; two islands at a little distance from the harbour of Carthegena; then passing with his boats round the island, he entered the harbour, and in the mouth of it found a frigate, with only an old man in it; who voluntarily informed them, that about an hour before, a pinnace had passed by with sails and oars, and all the appearance of expedition and importance; that, as she passed, the crew on board her bid them take care of themselves; and that as soon as she touched the shore, they heard the noise of cannon fired as a warning, and saw the shipping in the port drawn up under the guns of the castle.