It seemed that Don Diaz was in the King's confidence, for he asked none but the most trivial questions. He had a grave Castilian courtesy, and begged that the Chevalier would call on him for any needs he might have. He escorted him through the corridors to a gallery, where a fair sprinkling of gentlemen were gathered, and presented him punctiliously to all who were present. The Chevalier was a gentleman from the French Court, travelling to enlarge his knowledge of the world. Thus Beauvallet was sponsored into society. Don Diaz requested his company at a party at his house that evening, Beauvallet accepted without hesitation. He stayed some while in the gallery talking to these grandees of Spain, and presently took his leave. Don Diaz went with him to the hall, and they parted with great politeness. Joshua was anxiously awaiting his master's return, and heaved a large sigh of relief upon seeing him come in, Sir Nicholas flung himself into a chair. "God's Death, what a court!" he said. Then he began to laugh. "What a king! what a graven king! If one had but whispered _El Beauvallet_ in his ear! Only to see him start!" "God forbid!" said Joshua devoutly. "Hey, but this likes me not at all!" He looked anxiously. "How long do we remain, master?" "Who knows? What a tale for Drake! God send I win through to tell it him!" "God send so indeed, sir," said Joshua glumly. "Comfort you, knave: in three short weeks the _Venture_ will cruise off that smuggling port we wot of, and every night she will creep in towards the coast, and watch for my signal." "What use if you be clapped up?" said Joshua rather tartly. "I shall win free, don't doubt it. Hearken, my man, a moment! This plot grows thicker still, and there are pitfalls. If I should fall into one...." He paused, and sniffed at his pomander, eyes narrowed and meditative. "Ay. If I be taken, Joshua, remove on the instant from this place, with all my traps. Go look for an obscure tavern against our needs. I shall then know where to find you. When you hear of my death--or if I come not inside ten days--make all speed to that port, and signal with a lantern after dark, as you know how. That's in case of need. Trust yet awhile in Beauvallet's luck. Go now, and nose me out the house of Don Diaz de Losa. I visit there this evening. If you can get news of Don Manuel de Rada, call me your debtor." "A plague on all women!" Joshua said. But he said it on the other side of the door.