“Then, have I a billet for thee, Sir,” said the other, presenting Sir Walter with a letter.
Sir Walter, whom the appearance of the stranger had somewhat interested, eagerly accepted the letter, and tore it open. It was written in a fair and legible hand, and ran as follows:—
“To the worshipful and most famous knight, Sir Walter Raleigh, Captain of her Highness’s Guard, these.—
“Right worthy Sir Walter.—Hereby thou wilt be advertised of my coming unto London, and of the sudden removal of my father, Sir Edgar de Neville, to the gaol of Newgate, by warrant of Secretary Walsingham. On thy promise of service, I make bold to solicit thy counsel, and, if need be, thine aid, towards effecting his release. The bearer hereof may be trusted.
“Worthy knight, thou hast my hearty prayers for thy welfare.
“Given under my hand and seal, this thirteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord God 1579, at the Three Compasses, near the Temple, London.
“Evaline de Neville.”
Sir Walter paused a moment after he had perused the letter. Then, thrusting it into his vest, he turned to the messenger, and proceeded to break his silence.
“This letter tells me thou art trustworthy,” he said. “What is thy name?”