“How many men do you command?” asked Vytal, with slow deliberation. “Threescore soldiers,” was the quick response. “’Tis well,” said Vytal, “and we are trebly strong.” “Trebly!” ejaculated the admiral, unguardedly. “Nay,” observed Vytal, inwardly numbering the Indians as allies. “Much more than trebly.” The Spaniard covered his surprise with a yawn. “I trust you will make haste,” he said, “for while you delay we starve.” “So be it,” assented Vytal, curtly, and turned on his heel. The admiral bowed and withdrew to his long-boat. “’Tis our only chance,” said Vytal to Eleanor. “We must arm every man, red and white, that, in the event of treachery, we may die fighting.” “Think you, then,” she asked, anxiously, “their force is so much the stronger?” “Beyond doubt, madam, they far outnumber us.” His face grew tense, and for a moment almost desperate. “If they gain knowledge of our weakness, we are lost.” He spoke hurriedly to Rouse. “Go instantly to Croatan. Ask Manteo to bring his tribesmen here without delay. Say that I have sent you. Speak, then, to our own people. Adjure them, in God’s name, to proceed hither within the hour. Make known the conditions of the armistice. If fear still deters them, and they suspect treachery on the part of our enemies, make no threat, but say that only within this palisado can we hope for safety. At Croatan they could not possibly withstand invaders. Here the fortifications are ready built. Let the people bring all available provisions for a siege, yet mention not the word ‘siege.’ Say merely that until the Spanish depart we remain here to trade with them.” He turned to Prat. “Do you, Roger, go with Hugh, and by your wit compel them to obey. My whole trust is in you both. Make haste!” Without a word they started off, the giant with great strides, the vagabond with rolling gait, and for once not garrulous, but genuinely grave. Vytal, returning to the headland, spoke to Dyonis Harvie, who stood near by. “You, Dyonis, assume command of the fortress, where the women and children will look to you for their defence.” * * * * * For many minutes Eleanor and Vytal stood in silence, motionless. From far away came the sound of the surf droning on the beach, with which, from beyond the screen of woods between them and the town, a low hum of preparation was blent monotonously. At last they walked to the brow of the cliff whereon stood the watchful culverin, and looked down at the lengthening shadows on the shore. Small groups of Spaniards and Englishmen were gathered together here and there busy in trade. “They buy and sell most peacefully,” observed Eleanor. “Yes,” said Vytal, “they traffic as friends.” CHAPTER II “Here, man, rip up this panting breast of mine, And take my heart in rescue of my friends.” —MARLOWE, in _Edward the Second_.