For the rest Sir Nicholas went junketing about the town, and by the way gleaned some useful information likely to interest not only Walsingham, but Sir Francis Drake too, and not less the Lord Admiral, Howard of Effingham. There was a fleet building in Cadiz harbour; Sir Nicholas made copious mental notes of the size and strength of those tall galleons, and even toyed with the notion of travelling south to see for himself. His behaviour during this period provoked nervous qualms in Joshua Dimmock, who declared himself to be a meacock creature, and shivered from time to time. He had reason for his qualms, for he had good cause to know that never was Beauvallet so reckless as when he played with danger on every hand. "Master," said he, "is there never one who suspects?" "Ay, the French Ambassador," Sir Nicholas answered. "One of his satellites hath been set to question me--very cleverly, so he thought." "God's me! this is to undo all! And you said, master?" "Oh, I gave him a bountiful answer, be sure," was all he could get from Sir Nicholas. On Monday evening Dominica was to be seen at the Alepero house, off the Calle Mayor. When Sir Nicholas could escape from the amiable clutches of her aunt, he made his way to her side, ousted an admiring caballero from his place of vantage there, and proceeded, to all appearances, to pay his court to her. Don Diego, watchful in the background, was swift to interpose his presence, but got little by that. "Ah, my bridal friend!" said Sir Nicholas, very urbane. "You are come in a good hour, señor. Doña Beatrice is inquiring for you. You shall not let us keep you." "My mother, señor?" said Don Diego, glaring his disbelief. "Your mother, my dear friend. You are loth to leave us, I perceive, and I should be flattered but that I suspect the charms of this lady to be the true cause." He bowed to Dominica. "I cannot suppose, señor, that my mother's need of me is urgent," said Don Diego, colder still. "I am sure you underrate yourself," returned Sir Nicholas. Don Diego looked furious, but did not see how he might remain. "I am obliged to you, Chevalier," he said, mighty sarcastic. "I do not permit myself to forget that you are a visitor to Spain." There was a good deal of meaning to this. Dominica stirred uneasily, and shot a quick look up at Sir Nicholas. The mobile eyebrow was up; Sir Nicholas waited. Don Diego met his look for a moment, then bowed ceremoniously, and walked away. They understood one another well enough: what the tongues were not permitted to say the eyes said fully. "Oh, folly!" Dominica breathed. "Why anger him? To what purpose?" Sir Nicholas was watching Don Diego go across the room. "I am certain I shall not leave Spain until that paraquito and I have measured swords," he said thoughtfully. "Señor Nicholas, I do not think that I was ever afraid until I met you," Dominica said. "Why will you do these things?"