Irish guide briefly explained who we were and how we came on board.
Don Alonzo--for that was his name--eyed us keenly; and addressing Ludar,
said in a broken English:

"You are Irish. Your name?"

"Ludar McSorley McDonnell of Dunluce and the Glynns," said Ludar.

The commander said something to one of his officers, who presently laid
a map of Ireland on the table, and placed his finger on the spot where
Dunluce was situated.

"Senor has no sword. Your calling?"

"My sword is in the sea. It belonged to my father, my mistress, and
myself," said Ludar, shortly.

The Spaniard inclined his head, with a faint smile.

"His Majesty is unfortunate not to be a fourth in so honourable a
company," said he.

Ludar looked confused, and his brow clouded. He was no match for any
man when it came to compliments.

"Sir," said he, "I am indebted to your watch for my life, and to his
Majesty, your King, for my dinner. I am sorry it is so, but I cannot
help it. If you command it, I am bound to make payment; and, since I
have no money, you have a right to the service of my hands till we be
quits."

Don Alonzo looked him from head to foot and smiled again.

"Sir Ludar is his Majesty's guest on this ship," said he, with a fine
motion of the head. "Any service he may render I shall be honoured to
accept. I refer him to Captain Desmond, here, for further
intelligence."

"And you, Senor," said he, addressing me with somewhat less ceremony,
"you are English?"

"I thank Heaven, yea," said I, "a humble servant to her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth, and a foe to her enemies."

"And your estate?" demanded he, coldly ignoring my tone.

"I have no estate. I am a plain London 'prentice."

"We shall have the honour of restoring you to London shortly," said he.
"Meanwhile Sir Ludar shall not be deprived of the service of his
squire."

Then turning to his officers, he occupied himself again with the chart,
and left Captain Desmond to conduct us from the cabin.

Neither Ludar nor I was much elated by this interview, but it relieved
us, at least, of any immediate prospect of execution, and, unless the
Don were jesting, consigned us to no very intolerable service on board
his ship. From Captain Desmond, who was not a little impressed by the
commander's reception of Ludar, we learned rather more of the expedition
and its prospects than before.

"If all go well," said he, "we shall be in English waters to-morrow, and
a week later sho