and master-pilot will tell ye that there are strong winds
coming up from the sou'-west. For to-night and to-morrow they may be
dry; after that we may expect rain. Some of ye will know the _Luath_
that trades between Gloucester and Waterford in Ireland. The Irish are
not loyal to our Queen--that ye also know. The _Luath_ came up to
Chepstow on the tide this morning, and no one, unless in the secret of
these Spanish villains, would dream that she carried ought but honest
cargo. Her hull, gentlemen, hides four rascal priests and other
desperate fellows to the full total of half a score, and much of her
merchandise is tar, oils and resin, and bales of tow. The boat should
wait off Chepstow for the tide that runs to-morrow forenoon before
attempting the dangerous run onwards to Gloucester. She really leaves
to-night. Just above Westbury she hath planned an anchorage, and there
Master Windybank of Dean Tower--whom, God helping me, I will hang over
his own gateway before another sunset--will meet them with pack-horses
wherewith to convey the combustibles to their appointed places. 'Tis
our business to capture the _Luath_. The good knight Sir Walter
Raleigh and the gallant Mayor of Newnham will see to Master Windybank
and the black-garbed villains that consort with him. That is our
mission; it remains for us to bring about a sure accomplishment."

"'Tis as good as done, admiral," murmured the men.

"There'll be a little tough fighting first," was the quiet reply.
"Capture means death to these fellows. They are brave, and will prefer
to die fighting."

The river still rose; the tide was nearing full flood, and the wind
steadily increased. Soon there was water of a navigable depth above
every sandbank, and there was no longer a swirl to indicate a shallow.
Morgan had seen nothing; the men were getting cramped and impatient.
There was now no need for the _Luath_ to pick her way; she might race
up anywhere between the wide banks: her chances of detection were
greatly lessened.

The pilot spoke. "Saving your presence, admiral, but this Irish
skipper is a deep dog. He should have passed ere now if he intends to
do his business at Westbury and then make Gloucester on this tide. He
suspects us."

"How so, pilot?"

"He hath not ventured to navigate the usual channels, which could be
watched."

"He'll have no pilot; don't forget that."

"True; nevertheless he is behaving right cunningly."

"I never expected hi