At his first words I had drawn my sword, and putting my fingers to my lips, I gave a low whistle, the signal that Manteo and myself had agreed upon should there be trouble. It had come like a flash of lightning from a clear sky, without a word of warning; for I guessed that Marsden was at the bottom of the whole thing, and that I was to be the bone of contention.
"What is it?" answered White sternly, looking at Hawkins.
"The whole crew wishes to know whether these charges against Sir Thomas Winchester are true," he growled, glaring at me sideways from under his bushy brows. "If it be so, Governor, what they tell of him, he is not fit company for honest men," and he spat upon the deck viciously.
"Since when hast thou been appointed ruler over us?" asked White. "Begone! lest I hang thee from the yardarm," and he motioned him back with his hand.
"All this is well said, Governor," sneered the fellow, his face black with rage, "but we would know the truth—we are men."
"Leave me to deal with him Governor," I said. Stepping forward, I faced him. "Hast aught to say against me?" I asked. "If so speak it to my face, thou cur, and do not sneak behind my back. Come, draw steel, and we will settle the matter now."
But the fellow plainly had no desire to face me alone, and drew back a step.
"Fair play, men," I shouted to the crowd below. "We are all honest men of England, and have fought and bled for her; this rogue has a grudge against me, and yet he fears to face my steel. With your hearts of oak to see fair play, I will meet him."
A murmur arose. "What of the rumor, sir?" cried a weather-beaten old tar.
"'Tis false," I answered. "As I expect mercy from my God at the last day, 'tis false, instigated only by my enemies. Come, ye are men, sturdy and true. You will see fair play—for an old soldier of England."