ugh
disguise of two mariners who had dropped into the kitchen of the "Blue
Dolphin." Guided by the child's eyes, the mother also had assured
herself of the identity of the two. Dan had been apprised, had given
the alarm to the Johnsons, and they were already lifting the latch of
the parlour door. The two spies were on the ale-bench in the kitchen.

There was a whispered consultation with the hostess. Was she sure of
her men? Quite. What was Dan going to do in the affair? Watch, in
the hope that the sallow priest-man would pass along by the inn.

Nick and Ned entered the kitchen. They were taciturn fellows, but they
gave the strangers a nod and a good-morrow! Conversation began, the
Johnsons leaving the lead, after the first words, to the strangers. In
those stirring times it was impossible for four mariners to meet in
Plymouth town and refrain from talking about the wonderful New World
across the Atlantic. All four had sailed its seas and navigated its
rivers. Nick Johnson said many hard things of the Spaniards, and he
expected the strangers to champion them a little. They did not; on the
other hand, they heaped curses on the heads of the arrogant Dons. The
talk turned on "El Dorado" and the fabulous treasures he had heaped up.
The Johnsons were eager with inquiries, but had no information to
offer. The strangers pretended to know a great deal about the
mysterious Indian potentate and his golden land, but they winked at one
another and kept their counsel. Ned Johnson made a plunge. Did the
strangers know that a ship was actually fitting in Plymouth harbour for
an unnamed port on the Orinoco? They did, and thought of trying for a
berth in her, having information that would be valuable to her captain.
By a casual remark, Ned hinted that he had personal knowledge of some
of the co-owners of the _Golden Boar_. Instantly a flood of questions
poured forth, but no answers were returned. The brothers professed a
bond of secrecy. For a full hour a cunning game was played, two
against two, but neither side secured an advantage. The strangers
departed, having promised the Johnsons to meet the next morning at an
inn lower down the harbour.

The spies were followed to their lodging-place, and a watch set upon
them. But Basil was wary and made no sign. For two or three days the
four sailors fraternized together, and Dan Pengelly and the landlady's
son hung about in their neighbourhood, hoping to catch sight