“To Englishmen, that comes by nature, sir,” I said. “Art sure we are to have the pleasure?”
“Not a doubt of it this time,” he answered. “The ship slipped in past the point last night. Davies signalled her to stop, and then sent a ball over her; but she kept on. True, it was too dark to make out much; but if she were friendly, why did she not stop for castle duties? Moreover, they say she was of at least five hundred tons, and no ship of that size hath ever visited these waters. There was no wind, and they sent a man on at once, hoping to outstrip the enemy and warn us. The man changed horses at Basse’s Choice, and passed the ship about dawn. All he could tell for the mist was that it was a very great ship, with three tiers of guns.”
“The flag?”
“She carried none.”
“Humph!” I said. “It hath a suspicious look. At least we do well to be ready. We’ll give them a warm welcome.”
“There are those here who counsel surrender,” continued the Governor. “There’s one, at least, who wants the Tiger sent downstream with a white flag and my sword.”
“Where?” I cried. “He’s no Englishman, I warrant!”
“As much an Englishman as thou, sir!” called out a gentleman whom I had encountered before, to wit, Master Edward Sharpless. “It’s well enough for swingebuckler captains, Low Country fire-eaters, to talk of holding out against a Spanish man-of-war with twice our number of fighting men, and enough ordnance to batter the town out of existence. Wise men know when the odds are too heavy!”
“It’s well enough for lily-livered, goose-fleshed lawyers to hold their tongues when men and soldiers talk,” I retorted. “We are not making indentures to the devil, and so have no need of such gentry.”
There was a roar of laughter from the captains and gunners, but terror of the Spaniard had made Master Edward Sharpless bold to all besides.