St. Augustine had been attacked before; in fact nine of the town's forts had been burned down in the years preceding 1669. In 1702 English ships again approached the Florida coast, and it looked to the Spanish settlers as if the town might once more by destroyed.

Under Governor Zúñiga's orders the people of St. Augustine retreated into their fort, Castillo de San Marcos. Juan Olfonso, his mother, and his sister gathered up as many of their belongings as possible and hurried behind the protective walls to wait while Juan's father sailed to Havana for help.

Too young to be a soldier, Juan longs to do something to help his town. Finally he has his chance and with it a near encounter with death. But Juan's determination remains strong even as he watches his home go up in flames. Then, after seven agonizing weeks, the Spaniards see four sails on the horizon. But they must wait until morning to know if they are English or Spanish ships and if they are to be saved.

Wilma Hays has written a dramatic recreation of the siege of St. Augustine, bringing to light an exciting event in the settlement of America. The lively and authentic illustrations by Peter Cox add to this true story of Florida's early citizens and America's oldest town.

From the dust jacket