“There is much in the lad’s favor,” said Drake meditatively. “He speaks truth when he declares that it would be best to send one who lies under the queen’s disfavor than another.”
“Yes; and if successfully performed it may bring him pardon. Elizabeth cannot but look with favor upon those who help to carry out a project devised by herself. Drake, I give my consent for the lad to go.”
“Perchance Edward Devereaux——” began Francis and then paused. What right had she to bring another into peril that might result in loss of life? But Lord Howard laughingly said:
“Another youth, Sir Francis, who burns to distinguish himself.”
“Then let him have his chance,” was the vice-admiral’s reply. “You and I would have jumped at such opportunity, my lord.”
“Go you then, Stafford, to Master Devereaux and tell him privately of the enterprise. 315 ’Twill be naught against him if he chooses not to accompany the expedition. If he should so select, come to me, both of you.”
Francis eagerly sought young Devereaux. It so chanced that he stood for the moment apart from his fellows. Joining him she said in a low tone:
“Edward, do you wish to adventure a most perilous undertaking?”
“Marry! Francis Stafford! how canst thou ask such question? Thou knowest that I burn to do something. It chafes me to be so inactive while in such near distance lies the Spaniard.”
“Then hearken! This night ships besmeared with pitch and rosin and filled with combustibles are to be sent into the midst of yon fleet. Two men are already chosen to guide them thither, and thou and I can accompany them also. But the admiral bids me say that it may be dangerous.”