None had thought to see her for at least ten days.
Upon all there fell a sudden realization that it was the word of the
King, feathered by the command of the Company, that was
hurrying, arrow-like, toward us. All knew what the Company's
orders would be, - must needs be, - and the Tudor sovereigns were
not so long in the grave that men had forgot to fear the wrath of
kings. The crowd drew back from me as from a man
plague-spotted. Only Rolfe, Sparrow, and the Indian stood their
ground.
The Governor turned from staring downstream. "The game is
played, gentlemen," he announced abruptly. "The wind grows
colder, too, and clouds are gathering. This fair company will
pardon me if I dismiss them somewhat sooner than is our wont.
The next sunny day we will play again. Give you God den,
gentles."
The crowd stood not upon the order of its going, but streamed
away to the river bank, whence it could best watch the oncoming
ship. My lord, after a most triumphant bow, swept off with his
train in the direction of the guest house. With him went Master
Pory. The Governor drew nearer to me. "Captain Percy," he said,
lowering his voice, "I am going now to mine own house. The
letters which yonder ship brings will be in my hands in less than an
hour. When I have read them, I shall perforce obey their
instructions. Before I have them I will see you, if you so wish.
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