The hogshead of sweet scented, lying to one side, wreathed with bright vines, was unclaimed of either party; the servants who brought forward the keg of canary dropped their burden, and stared with the rest.

All looked down the river, and all saw the Due Return coming up the broad, ruffled stream, the wind from the sea filling her sails, the tide with her, the gilt mermaid on her prow just rising from the rushing foam.

She came as swiftly as a bird to its nest.

None had thought to see her for at least ten days.
Upon all there fell a sudden realization that it was the word of the King, feathered by the command of the Company, that was hurrying, arrow-like, toward us.

All knew what the Company's orders would be,--must needs be,--and the Tudor sovereigns were not so long in the grave that men had forgot to fear the wrath of kings.