An hour—two—and then the door opened, and Stone entered.
"Sir Francis wishes to see both of you," he said.
We followed him down into the room where Drake sat alone. He motioned us to chairs.
"Sir Thomas," he said, "dost thou, on the honor of a gentleman, know where the plunder of DeNortier is hidden? If either of you will but tell me, you shall have a liberal share, and so can perhaps buy your liberty from the Queen."
"Sir Francis," I answered, "I know naught of it; none but the Count knew where it was concealed."
"And he has escaped," he muttered. "I regret that I must leave without finding the gold, but time is precious. It may be that this fellow will bring a swarm about our ears, did I but linger here a day. The Spaniards would be but too glad of an excuse to repay me for the blows that I have struck them before now, and we have but one ship. No, we must go," and he arose.
"And now, gentlemen, give me but your word, that you will not attempt to escape, and you shall be free to come and go without a guard."
"Thou hast it," I answered; "that is if Oliver assents," and I looked at the boy.
"Aye," he said, "if Sir Thomas gives the word, so will I."
Drake walked over to the window and looked out, his back towards us.