“Nay, the chance is slight. Manteo and Towaye have assured me of their people’s friendliness.” Vytal hesitated before he spoke again, but finally concluding that the time had come for his disclosure, made known the main facts tersely and without a word of incriminating testimony against the governor’s son-in-law, Ananias Dare. Governor White received the information in mute astonishment at first, seeming loath to believe that any of his followers had planned so base a conspiracy. But he had been aware before now of Ferdinando’s untrustworthy character, and although the master had explained away his desertion of the fly-boat by asserting that its pilot knew the course, and had requested him not to shorten sail unnecessarily, the governor’s first mistrust returned to him now with full force. “We must apprehend this Ferdinando, and bring him to justice.” “Nay, with your permission, I will leave him at large, yet watch him carefully. Men of his mould defeat themselves. By close surveillance we shall discover any mischief he may seek to brew among us. An open punishment would affright the fellows who, being but tools, were on the verge of mutiny. These men now are loyal enough, and, if well treated, will fight for us. Otherwise they might desert.” The governor’s kindly face was now more grieved than angry. “I had not thought there was so caitiff a knave as Simon among our people. Think you Sir Walter St. Magil will return with a force to menace our little colony?” “That is wellnigh certain, for St. Magil plays into the hands of Philip, King of Spain. The Spaniards would extend their possessions northward, and have found a friend to aid them. This man, believing he has decreased our numbers by one-half, has gone to inform his patron’s subjects that we stupidly wait here to be killed.” “Whither has he gone?” “That I cannot tell. At first I thought to St. Augustine, but the journey by land is very difficult. The Spaniards await him, for all I know, in a camp not half so far.” The governor, deeply troubled, cast about for the best method of procedure. “Would it not be well to pursue St. Magil, and overtake him if possible before he reaches his destination? I have heard that Indians are as quick and sure as hounds in a pursuit.” “No. It is best to drill each planter in the use of arms; then, when our homes are built, to fortify the town as best we may, and wait.” “But we shall suffer heavy loss, even though successful in the end.” “Not so much as if we run into a snare with no provision for defence. And we shall teach them a lesson.” “But at how great a cost to us? You, Captain Vytal, have not a child to consider. I have. She is a woman, brave, ’tis true, and stout of heart, but now not strong in body. You know my daughter, Mistress Eleanor Dare?” “Yes.” “I should go down to my grave broken-hearted were harm to come to her.” “I understand.” “No, you cannot, you who talk of wars as pastimes, you who have no child to guard.”