"The citizens have debated the conditions of the loan your Majesty did them the honour to ask of them," said Don Renard.
"Yes," said Philip, somewhat eagerly, "and I trust they raise no difficulty."
"These purse-proud burgesses are not like the money-lenders of Madrid or Amsterdam, they are not satisfied with the securities we offer," said the Ambassador.
The King frowned, as he replied—
"The money must be procured; our expedition hangs fire, and the English troops are badly equipped. You must see to it, and that quickly."
"The expedition is not popular in the City," said Renard, "we must do something to placate these stubborn islanders."
"Yes, I know," replied the King petulantly; "but what can we do?"
"Will your Majesty pardon me if I suggest something?" replied the Ambassador, and in obedience to Philip's nod of assent, he continued, "That young man, Ralph Jefferay, who was condemned to-day in the Court of the Star Chamber, is accounted a hero in London."
"And why?" asked Philip impatiently, the frown on his face deepening; "is it not because he is a heretic?"
"Nay, your Majesty, I know not whether he is of the 'New Learning' or not," replied Don Renard. "But the real reason goes far deeper than that: he is known to be a young man of splendid daring and of intrepid courage," he continued.