G. A. Henty 
By England’s Aid or the Freeing of the Netherlands (1585-1604) 

This historical adventure novel by G.A. Henty takes place during the time of the "undeclared" Anglo-Spanish War . Two eng boys, who go to Holland as pages in the service of one of "the fighting Veres" are the main characters. After many adventures by sea and land, one of the boys finds himself on Board a Spanish ship at the time of the defeat of the Armada, and escapes only to fall into the hands of Corsair pirates. He is successful in escaping and finally makes his way back to England back to Spain after the capture of Cadiz.