A small hand slid into his own and pulled him toward a byway.
"Why, how is it with thee, Master Poope? Didst play thy part bravely, lad."
"Come," said the boy in a low breathless voice. "I have somewhat to tell thee. In here," and he drew Armadas toward a doorway. "'T is my mother's lodging—there is nothing to fear."
A woman let them in as if she had been watching for them, opened the door into a small plainly furnished private room and vanished.
"Art not going on any more voyages to the Virginias?" asked the boy, his eager eyes on the Captain's face.
"Not for the present, my boy. Why? Wouldst like to sail with us, and learn more of the ways of Indian Princes?"
"Nay, I have no time for fooling—they'll miss me," said the youngster impatiently. "The Spanish Ambassador has his spies upon thee, and thou must leave a false scent for them to smell out. He sent his report on thee, eight months ago."
"Before we sailed to Roanoke?" queried Armadas with lifted brows.
"Before thou went to Richmond that day. His Excellency quizzed me after the masque and asked me did I know when the ships sailed and whither they were bound, believing me to be cozened by his gold. I told him they were for Florida to find the fountain of youth for the Queen, and would sail on May-day!"
A grin of pure delight widened the boy's face, and he wriggled in gleeful remembrance where he perched, on a tall oaken chair. "Oh, they will swallow any bait, those gudgeons, and some day their folly will be the end of them. I would not have them catch thee if they could be fooled, and well did I fool them, I tell thee!"