There was silence on the deck, while the commander nodded to Roger. "Did I not say so?" he asked, after a little while. "A spy would know that that was not our intention." "Unless he acted a part," answered Roger, quietly. "That supposition is still open." "Not to us," was the stern answer. "We will give the man full trust, or none at all. His tale is true on the face of it. But bid him continue, and ask him of this far country to which we are bound. Let him know that we are for the Terra Firma." "We are bound for the west," said Roger. "We are in search of a city the plan of which was captured from a Spanish ship." "Show it to me. Let me see it," demanded the Spaniard, eagerly. "If it is that plan of which I have heard, then indeed shall I be able to deal punishment to those who have ill-used me. Yes, and I can bring riches to those who have saved my life, to friends who should be enemies." Roger translated the words to Sir Thomas, who at once ordered the plaque to be brought. "What does he know?" he asked impatiently. "Let us hear what he has to say." But no amount of questioning would induce the Spaniard to speak till the plaque had arrived. He took it in his hand, and gazed at it attentively, turning it over and over. "'Tis the very one, the golden disc," he said, "and now I can repay your kindness. Bid your commander tell me whether I may take service in the ranks. My name is Alvarez de Logas, a good Spanish name, and I swear to be true to all of this expedition." He stared at Sir Thomas as Roger interpreted, attempting to read his answer. "Tell him that for his help we will take him into our ranks," said the commander. "But he must make no error. His service must be true and honourable, for if he shows me or any a sign of faithlessness, he shall be shot at once. Those orders shall be published to all aboard." "And they are just," agreed Alvarez. "Kill me if I prove untrue to my word. I swear to aid you, to take your side against my countrymen; for they cast me out. They sent me to a horrible death, and they are no longer my people. I become an Englishman from this moment, and I will obey all orders. But let me speak of this disc, this golden plaque, with the sun's image on one side, and a plan on the reverse. It is a drawing of----" Sir Thomas, Peter Tamworth, and many of the gentlemen adventurers crowded nearer as Roger interpreted word for word, and threatened to fall upon the man. "Yes, yes," exclaimed the commander, impatiently. "Concerns what place? Come! The name without further dallying." "It gives the outline of the great city of Mexico, on the Terra Firma, but lately discovered by Fernando Cortes." "Mexico! Mexico!" They repeated the word as if it were some strange charm.