only that Aylward the archer may go with me, that I may have
one friend at my side if things should chance to go awry."

Knolles thought awhile. "It is much that you ask," said he, "for by
God's truth I reckon that you and this friend of yours are two of my men
whom I would be least ready to lose. I have seen you both at grips with
the Spaniards and I know you. But I trust you, and if we must indeed
stop at this accursed place, then you may do as you will. If you have
deceived me, or if this is a trick by which you design to leave me, then
God be your friend when next we meet, for man will be of small avail!"

It proved that not only the seams had to be calked but that the cog
Thomas was out of fresh water. The ships moored therefore near the Isle
of Brechou, where springs were to be found. There were no people upon
this little patch, but over on the farther island many figures could be
seen watching them, and the twinkle of steel from among them showed that
they were armed men. One boat had ventured forth and taken a good look
at them, but had hurried back with the warning that they were too strong
to be touched.

Black Simon found Aylward seated under the poop with his back, against
Bartholomew the bowyer. He was whistling merrily as he carved a girl's
face upon the horn of his bow.

"My friend," said Simon, "will you come ashore to-night--for I have need
of your help?"

Aylward crowed lustily. "Will I come, Simon? By my hilt, I shall be
right glad to put my foot on the good brown earth once more. All my life
I have trod it, and yet I would never have learned its worth had I not
journeyed in these cursed ships. We will go on shore together, Simon,
and we will seek out the women, if there be any there, for it seems a
long year since I heard their gentle voices, and my eyes are weary of
such faces as Bartholomew's or thine."

Simon's grim features relaxed into a smile. "The only face that you will
see ashore, Samkin, will bring you small comfort," said he, "and I warn
you that this is no easy errand, but one which may be neither sweet nor
fair, for if these people take us our end will be a cruel one."

"By my hilt," said Aylward, "I am with you, gossip, wherever you may go!
Say no more, therefore, for I am weary of living like a cony in a hole,
and I shall be right glad to stand by you in your venture."

That night, two hours after dark, a small boat put forth from the
Basilisk. It contained Simon, Aylward and t