“Hast thou made out the warrant, Sir Francis, for Sir Edgar de Neville’s release?” asked Burleigh of Walsingham, at this juncture.
“I have, my Lord,” answered Walsingham.
“Trust its delivery to me, then, worthy Sir Francis,” returned Burleigh. “I will see to it myself.”
Sir Francis, facetiously bidding him to make good speed, handed him the warrant; and the gouty premier then arose. His rising was the signal for the council to break up.
CHAPTER IX.
Hildebrand Clifford had not (to borrow the nautical phrase of his lieutenant) “hove-to” above three hours, on the occasion described in a former chapter, before he was called to the deck again. On repairing thither, he found his lieutenant, Halyard, had been up for some time, and was waiting his approach at the after-hatchway.
“A strange sail seen from the masthead, Sir,” he said, as Hildebrand made his appearance.