As the day began to break, Captain Cereno came slowly, carefully up the steps toward the chief rebel leader, Babo, and begged for mercy. He promised to follow Babo’s commands if he would only put an end to the killings. But this had no effect. Babo had three men brought up on deck and tied. Then, the three Spaniards were thrown overboard. Babo did this to show his power and authority, that he was in command. Babo, however, promised not to murder Captain Cereno. But everything he said carried a threat. He asked the captain if in these seas there were any negro countries. «None,» Cereno answered. «Then, take us to Senegal or the neighboring islands of Saint Nicholas.» Captain Cereno was shaken. «That is impossible!» he said. «It would mean going around Cape Horn. And this ship is in no condition for such a voyage. And we do not have enough supplies, or sails or water.» «Take us there, anyway,» Babo answered sharply, showing little interest in such details. «If you refuse, we will kill every white man on board.» Captain Cereno knew he had no choice.