and Raleigh's too, though I
fear it has run out again since as fast as it ran in."

And so ended Sir Richard's story.

Amyas went the next day to Salterne, and told his tale. The old man had
heard the outlines of it already: but he calmly bade him sit down, and
listened to all, his chin upon his hand, his elbows on his knees. His
cheek never blanched, his lips never quivered throughout. Only when
Amyas came to Rose's marriage, he heaved a long breath, as if a weight
was taken off his heart.

"Say that again, sir!"

Amyas said it again, and then went on; faltering, he hinted at the
manner of her death.

"Go on, sir! Why are you afraid? There is nothing to be ashamed of
there, is there?"

Amyas told the whole with downcast eyes, and then stole a look at his
hearer's face. There was no sign of emotion: only somewhat of a proud
smile curled the corners of that iron mouth.

"And her husband?" asked he, after a pause.

"I am ashamed to have to tell you, sir, that the man still lives."

"Still lives, sir?"

"Too true, as far as I know. That it was not my fault, my story bears me
witness."

"Sir, I never doubted your will to kill him. Still lives, you say? Well,
so do rats and adders. And now, I suppose, Captain Leigh, your worship
is minded to recruit yourself on shore a while with the fair lass whom
you have brought home (as I hear) before having another dash at the
devil and his kin!"

"Do not mention that young lady's name with mine, sir; she is no more to
me than she is to you; for she has Spanish blood in her veins."

Salterne smiled grimly.

"But I am minded at least to do one thing, Mr. Salterne, and that is, to
kill Spaniards, in fair fight, by land and sea, wheresoever I shall meet
them. And, therefore, I stay not long here, whithersoever I may be bound
next."

"Well, sir, when you start, come to me for a ship, and the best I have
is at your service; and, if she do not suit, command her to be fitted as
you like best; and I, William Salterne, will pay for all which you shall
command to be done."

"My good sir, I have accounts to square with you after a very different
fashion. As part-adventurer in the Rose, I have to deliver to you your
share of the treasure which I have brought home."

"My share, sir? If I understood you, my ship was lost off the coast of
the Caracas three years agone, and this treasure was all won since?"

"True; but you, as an adventurer in the expedition, have a just claim