It was the memorable evening of July 19, 1588, and an exciting game of bowls was being played upon the green back of the Pelican Inn known to every officer of Her Majesty's navy. Standing round the bowling alley were a group of men watching the game with interest. Lord Howard of Effingham, the Lord High Admiral of England; Sir Robert Southwell, his son-in-law, the captain of the Elizabeth Joncas; Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Richard Grenville; Martin Frobisher and John Davis; John Hawkins and his pupil, Sir Francis Drake, the vice admiral of the fleet. The three paused as they entered this illustrious group. Sir Walter Raleigh was the first to spy them. "Ha, my apt pupil of the sword!" he cried. "Why came you hither?" "We are come to join the fleet," answered Francis boldly. "Lord Howard, here be three more volunteers," cried Raleigh. "Verily it beseems that all of England's sons have come forth for the fight." "And they have done well," answered the deep voice of the noble admiral. "'Come the three corners of arms, And we shall shock them! Nought shall make us rue, If England to herself do rest but true.' So says that knave--Will Shakespeare. Edward, thou here again? I thought the queen held thee in durance?" "She did, my lord admiral," returned Devereaux. "But think you that I was to be mewed up like a girl when England had need of me? I trow not!" "Spoken like a true Englishman, boy, save the slur upon the girl. Know, Master Edward, that so enthusiastic are women and girls that if we men wax faint hearted in the strife English women and English maidens will take up the battle for their country." "I crave pardon, my lord. Such speech was unworthy an Englishman when the proof is by his----" "I am Francis Stafford, my lord," interrupted the girl, knowing full well what Edward was about to say. "My father and I were accused of treason to the queen when Anthony Babington conspired against her life. I escaped from the Tower in company with Master Devereaux. Do not, I beseech you, say me nay when I plead for place with you. I would fain prove that I am a true and loyal subject of Her Majesty." "And thou shalt be given the opportunity, lad. And thou, young sir," to Walter Mildemay, "art thou escaped from the Tower also?" "Nay, sir; I am but accessory to their flight," replied the young man. "The saints preserve us!" ejaculated his lordship piously. "Now Heaven send the Dons soon else I shall have such a storm about mine ears as never wind did raise." At this moment an old sailor burst into the midst of the group. "My lord, my lord!" cried the weather-beaten old salt to the lord high admiral, "they're coming. I saw 'em off the Lizard last night; they're coming full sail, hundreds of 'em a darkening the waters!"