"Great Jonah!" said Droop, helplessly. "But didn't you say you had friends?" "None better, Master Droop. My uncle is Lord Burleigh--Lord High Treasurer to her Gracious Majesty. My patron is the Earl of Essex----" "Why don't they give ye a lift?" Bacon's face grew graver. "Essex is away," he said. "On his return my necessities will be speedily relieved. As for mine uncle, to him have I applied; but his lordship lives in the sunshine of her Majesty's smiles, and he cannot be too sudden in aid of Francis Bacon for fear of losing the Queen's favor else." "Why so?" "A long tale of politics, friend. A speech made by me in Parliament in opposing monopolies." "Oh!" said Droop, dismally. "You're down on monopolies, air ye?" Bacon turned a wary eye upon his companion. "Why ask you this?" he said. "Why, only to--" He paused. "To say sooth," he continued, with sudden resolution, "I want to get a monopoly myself--two or three of 'em. I've got some A1 inventions here, an' I want to get 'em patented. I thought, perhaps, you or your friends might help me." "Ah!" Bacon exclaimed, with awakening interest. "You seek my influence in furtherance of these designs. Do I apprehend you?" "That's jest it," said Droop. "And what would be the--ahem--the recognition which----" "Why, you'd git a quarter interest in the hull business," said Droop, hopefully. "That is, provided you've got the inflooence, ye know." "Too slight--too slight for Francis Bacon, Master Droop." Copernicus thought rapidly for a minute or two. Then he pretended indifference. "Oh, very good!" he said. "I'll take up with Sir Thomas Thingumbob--What's-'is-name." Bacon pretended to accept the decision and changed the subject. "Now permit me to approach the theme of my immediate need," he said. "These bailiffs without--they must be evaded. May I have your assistance, friend, in this matter?" "Why--what can I do?" "Pray observe me with all attention," Bacon began. "These my habiliments are of the latest fashion and of rich texture. Your habit is, if I may so speak, of inferior fashion and substance. I will exchange my habit for yours on this condition--that you mount my horse forthwith and ride away. The moon is bright and you will be pursued at once by these scurvy bailiffs. Lead them astray, Master Droop, to the southward, whilst I slip away to London in your attire, wherein I feel sure no man will recognize me. Once in London, there is a friend of mine--one Master Isaac Burton--who is hourly expected and from whom I count upon having some advances to stand me in present stead. What say you? Will you accept new clothing and rich--for old and worn?"