A succession of fortified villages now stood in the way of the patriot fleet .
The Dutch Admiral was afraid even now of losing his prize , but the Spaniards , panicked by the rising waters , barely offered any resistance .
A succession of fortified villages now stood in the way of the patriot fleet , and the Dutch Admiral was afraid even now of losing his prize , but the Spaniards , panicked by the rising waters , barely offered any resistance .