"English, God be thanked!" answered Nick.
"Amen! brother," said Ned.
"Religion?"
The two rough fellows looked at one another. The question was really a puzzler. Living their lives out on the sea, unlettered and unlearned, they had no knowledge of religious formularies.
"We believe in God and Jesus Christ His Son," said Nick. "Is that so, brother?"
"That is so," said Ned; "those are the names that come in the chaplain's prayers."
"Do you acknowledge the authority of his Holiness the Pope of Rome?"
Another look of consultation, and Ned shook his head. Nick answered. "We do not believe in the Pope. We did as boys during Mary's reign."
"Why did you change?"
"Queen and Parliament no longer believe in him, but hate him for an enemy. We believe in our Queen and Parliament. Will that do, brother?"