"Ha, Captain
Percy!" he cried, as I came up. "You are in good time, man! You've
served your apprenticeship at the wars. You must teach us how to
beat the dons."
"To Englishmen, that comes by nature, sir," I said. "Art sure we are
to have the pleasure?"
"Not a doubt of it this time," he answered. "The ship slipped in
past the Point last night. Davies signaled her to stop, and then sent
a ball over her; but she kept on. True, it was too dark to make out
much; but if she were friendly, why did she not stop for castle
duties? Moreover, they say she was of at least five hundred tons,
and no ship of that size hath ever visited these waters. There was
no wind, and they sent a man on at once, hoping to outstrip the
enemy and warn us. The man changed horses at Basse's Choice,
and passed the ship about dawn. All he could tell for the mist was
that it was a very great ship, with three tiers of guns."
"The flag?"
"She carried none."
"Humph!" I said. "It hath a suspicious look. At least we do well to
be ready. We'll give them a warm welcome."
"There are those here who counsel surrender," continued the
Governor. "There's one, at least, who wants the Tiger sent
downstream with a white flag and my sword."
"Where?" I cried. "He's no Englishman, I warrant!"
"As much an Englishman as thou, sir!" called out a gentleman
whom I had encountered before, to wit, Master Edward Sharpless.
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