“God help us, it has! Show me the letter.”
It was a hurried scrawl.
“DR. GODSON,—Walsingham sends word that the Ada. sailed from Lisbon to the Groyne the 18. of May. We know no more, but have commandment to stay the ships. Come down, dear lad, and give us counsel; and may the Lord help His Church in this great strait.
“Your loving godfather,
“R. G.”
“Forgive me, mother, mother, once for all!” cried Amyas, throwing his arms round her neck.
“I have nothing to forgive, my son, my son! And shall I lose thee, also?”
“If I be killed, you will have two martyrs of your blood, mother!—”
Mrs. Leigh bowed her head, and was silent. Amyas caught up his hat and sword, and darted forth toward Bideford.
Amyas literally danced into Sir Richard's hall, where he stood talking earnestly with various merchants and captains.