Oliver the gallants could forgive for his crimes, he was bright and innocent; if he had wandered astray he was too young to realize the error of his way. The pirates moreover had said little against him, and if he had done aught he had been led by me.
We had passed several merchant vessels within the last few days; one we hailed was the "Betsy." I recognized her short, stout skipper, who nearly two years ago had conveyed me out to meet the pirate vessel. The man did not know me; I had changed too much.
And now, as I leaned against the rail, I heard the conversation between him and Drake. "The great Armada had sailed from Spain," he said, "several weeks before. It was doubtless even now upon the coast of England; the whole country had arisen as one strong man, and stood ready to meet the Spaniards. If the English were defeated, it would mean the ruin of the country." On hearing this much, Drake had sailed on and left him there.
We were in sight of England now. A frightened fisherman, whom we had picked up, told us that the Spaniards were upon the coast only a few miles away. As dusk fell, a cry went up. Looking, we could perceive through the darkness the gleam of the many lights upon the galleons of the foe, as their ships rose and fell upon the waves. To-morrow the English would join forces with them, and would fight such a battle as had seldom been fought before; one upon which hung the destiny of a great people, and which the world would gaze upon with bated breath.
A voice at my elbow startled me. Drake was leaning upon the rail near my side.
"'Tis a noble sight," he said, pointing to the lights, "those great ships yonder, laden with men. Many of those on board doubtless toss to-night as they think of their homes and friends. Some of them before to-morrow's sun sets will sleep sounder, I doubt not," and he stroked his yellow beard as he glanced at me.
"True," I answered, "they have a hard fight before them, ere they conquer England. Dost think they can accomplish so great a task?"
"I know not," he replied thoughtfully. "This much I will say, that before they conquer England they must face a united people, such as there hast not been since the time of William the Norman."