"
"We give you thanks, sir," I said.
"As you know," he went on, "I have written to the Company,
humbly petitioning that I be graciously relieved from a most
thankless task, to wit, the governorship of Virginia. My health
faileth, and I am, moreover, under my Lord Warwick's displeasure.
He waxeth ever stronger in the Company, and if I put not myself
out, he will do it for me. If I be relieved at once, and one of the
Council appointed in my place, I shall go home to look after
certain of my interests there. Then shall I be but a private
gentleman, and if I can serve you, Ralph Percy, I shall be blithe to
do so; but now, you understand" -
"I understand, and thank you, Sir George," I said. "May I ask one
question?"
"What is it?"
"Will you obey to the letter the instructions the Company sends?"
"To the letter," he answered. "I am its sworn officer."
"One thing more," I went on: "the parole I gave you, sir, that
morning behind the church, is mine own again when you shall
have read those letters and know the King's will. I am free from
that bond, at least."
He looked at me with a frown. "Make not bad worse, Captain
Percy," he said sternly.
I laughed. "It is my aim to make bad better, Sir George. I see
through the window that the Due Return hath come to anchor; I
will no longer trespass on your Honor's time.
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