plotting
further mischief, was known only to one man, and the knowledge helped
to darken that man's life. The farmer at Arlingham had never been
suspected of complicity in the plot; all, save Basil, who could have
blabbed his secret were amongst the slain on the night of the fight
with the _Luath_. He himself lost heart at the critical moment and
stayed at home, and his only share in the affair was to provide for
some of the wounded and receive the thanks of the admiral for his ready
generosity. Yet, whilst the wounded groaned and tossed on his beds,
Basil lay curled up, wolf fashion, in one of the barns. He lodged
there again for two days after the burning of Dean Tower, and whilst
the forest was being scoured with horse and hound for him. From thence
he had journeyed to Plymouth, hoping to secure the Spanish papers
hidden by the garrulous seaman. He succeeded in his object only a few
hours before Dan came hastening back from Blakeney, fearful for the
safety of his precious packet. The trick had been neatly played. Dame
Gregory had entertained, for one night, a very pleasant and gentlemanly
guest, who had speedily found his way into her good graces, and also
into the back parlour of the "Blue Dolphin," which was sacred to the
intimate cronies of her sailor spouse. It was there, behind a panel in
the wall, that the hostess kept treasures belonging to several homeless
mariners and adventurers who made her their banker and confidential
agent. The foolish Dan, tipsily anxious to let his little comrade know
how cunning he was, had explained the working of the panel and the
difficulty of any one, save those in the secret, getting access to the
precious hoard behind it. An evening's survey matured Basil's plans.
Early the next morning two strange sailor-men entered the inn, and kept
the landlady answering questions for the best part of half an hour.
Not long after she was rid of them, her pleasant guest also bade her
good day and departed.

No suspicions were aroused until Dan's return and discovery of his
loss. Then Basil's handiwork was apparent enough. His connection with
the two sailors was revealed in an early stage of Dan's search for the
thief. The three had been seen together in a neighbouring hostel the
previous day. No trace of them was discovered after the robbery. But
now, on the very eve of Morgan's arrival in Plymouth, Dame Gregory's
son, an urchin of about fourteen summers, had penetrated the ro