“The Earl was struck with your hatred of the patroon yesterday, even before I told him the story about Ruth,” whispered Lady Marmaduke. “Do not be too nice about accepting his commissions. He will be glad of whatever you do, though he may not altogether approve in advance. His great fault is in delay. Sometimes he gets stirred up and acts like a whirlwind, but generally he wastes time by waiting for a better chance. I have persuaded him this time; that is, if he has not cooled over night.” Lady Marmaduke explained to the Earl in a few words whatever was necessary to account for my non-appearance the night before. He then proceeded to interrogate me closely about all that had passed between me and Captain Tew. “You see, Monsieur Le Bourse, these enormous tracts of land that have been granted by my predecessor in office must be annulled or the proper revenues cannot be forwarded to my royal master, his majesty, the King.” “Your own table cannot be furnished either,” added Lady Marmaduke, “unless you get back the King’s farm.” “Quite true, but that is a small matter compared with what is due to my beloved King and master. I well remember the day on which he informed me of the high honor he had conferred upon my unworthy self, which fact he graciously made known to me with his own royal lips. ‘Richard,’ he said, 'you have used your sword well for me. Now, I want you to use your head. These enormous grants by Fletcher must be annulled. But it must be done legally; I will not have a bad example set in the use of the law. I have implicit trust in you.'” “Indeed, your Excellency,” broke in Lady Marmaduke. “I wish he had shown that trust to a little more practical advantage. He might have given you more power to act for yourself.” “I am somewhat restricted,” replied the Earl. “Beshrew me! That is an ungracious reflection. The King has planned all for the best. Though I must report to his council for approval, the delay gives me all the more opportunity to make certain, to collect more weighty evidence. I wish I could utilize this matter with Tew. I shall not, however, lest I compromise Monsieur Le Bourse.” “The transaction is so old I don’t believe it would do us much good,” said Lady Marmaduke. “I have no doubt but that we shall soon stand on firmer ground,” continued the governor. “Has Lady Marmaduke informed you of what I intend you to do?” “In part,” I answered. “The matter as it stands at present is as follows. At noon yesterday a ship was sighted coming into the bay. As is our custom always upon the arrival of a ship, a welcome gun was fired from the Battery. Instead of coming up to the city like an honest trader, the ship cast anchor and has remained in one place ever since. She is a suspicious looking craft, probably a buccaneer who is afraid to enter the port now that the laws are so stringent against them. It may be one chance in a hundred—” “I should say one in ten or two,” interrupted Lady Marmaduke.