pulled from the water.

"We must hasten," said the man who had come to their assistance. "The
whole garrison is aroused."

With all the speed they could muster they hurried to the Tower wharf
where a boat was in waiting.

"Devereaux," said a man grasping the hand of the youth, "is it thou?"

"In very truth 'tis I, Walter. And right glad am I to be here. But
hasten, beseech you. I would not be retaken for all the wealth of
Spain."

The boat shot out from the wharf into the river, and passed swiftly down
the stream.

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE THREE VOLUNTEERS

Some distance down the river a vessel lay at anchor. To this the boat
made its way and lay alongside. Devereaux, the young man whom he had
called Walter, and Francis scrambled aboard, and the wherry put off. The
sails of the ship were raised, and, as she glided swiftly toward the open
sea, Devereaux gave a shout of exultation.

"Now for Plymouth and the Dons," he cried gaily. "Oh, Francis, is it not
glorious to be free?"

"Yes;" replied Francis, scarce able to speak so overcome was she by her
emotion.

"And as soon as we touch Plymouth thou canst take passage in another
vessel for France."

Then indeed did the girl turn upon him with flashing eyes.

"France?" she cried. "Go to France while England is in danger? Never!
Never! At Plymouth do I stay, Edward Devereaux, with the fleet. I am
resolved to meet the Dons as well as thou."

"But, Francis, thy faith! 'Tis the same as the Spaniards! Thou canst not
meet them."

"'Tis true that I am Catholic, but still am I not born English? Never
would I see alien foot tread English soil, be the intruder of whatever
faith he may."

"And there spake a true Englishman," said he whom Edward had called
Walter. "So spake Charles Howard, Lord High Admiral of the navy. And so
also hath spoken every true Englishman of Roman Catholic faith. Who is
thy friend, Edward? I was surprised to find that another accompanied thee
in thy flight from the Tower."

As Devereaux opened his lips to reply, Francis touched his hand warningly
and answered for herself.

"I am Francis Stafford. I was imprisoned in the Tower charged with
treason to the queen, though of that I am innocent."

"Well, Master Stafford, prove thy mettle at this, England's time of need,
and it may be that England's queen will overlook thy past transgressions.
I am Walter Mildemay, kinsman of Edward Devereaux, and a true subject of
the queen's majesty, sa