| “‘Come the three corners of arms, |
| And we shall shock them! Nought shall make us rue, |
| If England to herself do rest but true.’ |
So says that knave—Will Shakespeare. Edward, thou here again? I thought the queen held thee in durance?” 301
“She did, my lord admiral,” returned Devereaux. “But think you that I was to be mewed up like a girl when England had need of me? I trow not!”
“Spoken like a true Englishman, boy, save the slur upon the girl. Know, Master Edward, that so enthusiastic are women and girls that if we men wax faint hearted in the strife English women and English maidens will take up the battle for their country.”
“I crave pardon, my lord. Such speech was unworthy an Englishman when the proof is by his——”
“I am Francis Stafford, my lord,” interrupted the girl, knowing full well what Edward was about to say. “My father and I were accused of treason to the queen when Anthony Babington conspired against her life. I escaped from the Tower in company with Master Devereaux. Do not, I beseech you, say me nay when I plead for place with you. I would fain prove that I am a true and loyal subject of Her Majesty.”
“And thou shalt be given the opportunity, lad. And thou, young sir,” to Walter Mildemay, “art thou escaped from the Tower also?” 302
“Nay, sir; I am but accessory to their flight,” replied the young man.
“The saints preserve us!” ejaculated his lordship piously. “Now Heaven send the Dons soon else I shall have such a storm about mine ears as never wind did raise.”
At this moment an old sailor burst into the midst of the group.