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.
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