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." "Where lies the English fleet?" I asked. "I see naught of it, though it must be near." "Behind yon acclivity," he replied, pointing to the left of us, where I could dimly see the jagged outline of the coast. We were swiftly sailing towards that point; a few minutes passed and we rounded the promontory. There in the still waters lay the English squadron, their decks alive with men, lights gleaming everywhere as the boats moved hither and thither between the vessels. The rough commands of the officers floated out to us upon the night air; the bustle and stir of preparation were everywhere, as ammunition was piled upon the decks, the guns were cleaned for action, and all was gotten in readiness to meet the foe on the morrow. The long roll of the drum upon our ship met my ear. Drake had aroused his men, and in a few moments our deck was as busy as any of those of the vessels around us. Sir Francis had gotten into his boat, and pulled out to where Lord Howard, who was in command, lay. Our men ran to and fro upon the vessel, preparing, strengthening, arming, putting everything in order. Naught had been said to me, so I looked on. Yet I would put in a blow for England to-morrow; though she spurned and disowned me, I would yet strike for the life of the country of my fathers, that had given me birth, and for which my ancestors had fought, bled, and died.