and his face buried in them, sobbing like a poor, weak woman.




CHAPTER XXII

SIR CRISPIN'S UNDERTAKING


Through the long October night Crispin and Hogan sat on, and
neither sought his bed. Crispin's quick wits his burst of
grief once over - had been swift to fasten on a plan to
accomplish that which he had undertaken.

One difficulty confronted him, and until he had mentioned it to
Hogan seemed unsurmountable he had need of a ship. But in this
the Irishman could assist him. He knew of a vessel then at
Greenwich, whose master was in his debt, which should suit the
purpose. Money, however, would be needed. But when Crispin
announced that he was master of some two hundred Caroluses,
Hogan, with a wave of the hand, declared the matter settled.
Less than half that sum would hire the man he knew of. That
determined, Crispin unfolded his project to Hogan, who laughed
at the simplicity of it, for all that inwardly he cursed the
risk Sir Crispin must run for the sake of one so unworthy.

"If the maid loves him, the thing is as good as done."

"The maid does not love him; leastways, I fear not."