"My Lord Sunderland manageth the rumours," smiled Herbert.
"My Lord Sunderland," repeated Mr. Sidney reflectively, "is difficult stuff to handle. I tell you plainly that I do not know how far he will go."
"But he will not betray us?"
"No—I can go warrant for that."
They turned down the Strand and walked along the river, which was lively with water-men and boats of music and great barges.
"M. Zuylestein will be sending Edward Russell with further news," said Mr. Sidney. "Look out for him, I pray you, at The Hague."
"Edward Russell must be weary of running to and fro England and Holland," remarked Herbert. "And how long will the King allow M. Zuylestein to drill parties against him?"
Mr. Sidney answered shortly.
"Mr. Russell hath my reason of hatred to the house of Stewart, and as for M. Zuylestein he is too clever to give His Majesty a chance to interfere."
They paused at one of the landing stages, and Herbert shouted to an idle pair of oars that was looking for custom.