his companions along Indian trails; he hath even reached Norumbega; he
hath seen that famous city with its houses of crystal and silver."

"Pine logs and hemlock bark, belike," said Raleigh, scornfully.

"Nay," said Gilbert, "he hath carefully written it down. He saw kings
decorated with rubies six inches long; and they were borne on chairs of
silver and crystal, adorned with precious stones. He saw pearls as common
as pebbles, and the natives were laden down by their ornaments of gold and
silver. The city of Bega was three-quarters of a mile long and had many
streets wider than those of London. Some houses had massive pillars of
crystal and silver."

"What assurance can he give?" asked Raleigh.

"He offers on his life to prove it."

"A small offer, mayhap. There be many of these lying mariners whose lives
are as worthless as the stories they relate. But what said he of the
natives?"

"Kindly disposed," was the reply, "so far as he went, but those dwelling
farther north, where he did not go, were said to be cannibals with teeth
like those of dogs, whereby you may know them."

"Travellers' tales," said Raleigh. "_Omne ignotum pro mirifico_."

"He returned," said Gilbert, disregarding the interruption, "in the
_Gargarine_, a French vessel commanded by Captain Champagne."