This was
De Chesne, the secretary of the French envoy, Le Clerc. Cordially
welcomed by Ralegh, the Frenchman expressed his deep concern to
see Sir Walter under arrest.
"You conclude too hastily," laughed Sir Walter.
"Monsieur, I do not conclude. I speak of what I am inform'."
"Misinformed, sir. I am not a prisoner--at least, not yet," he
added, with a sigh. "I travel of my own free will to London with
my good friend and kinsman Stukeley to lay the account of my
voyage before the King."
"Of your own free will? You travel of your own frets will? And
you are not a prisoner? Ha !" There was bitter mockery in De
Chesne's short laugh. "C'est bien drole!" And he explained:
"Milord the Duke o Buckingham, he has write in his master's name
to the ambassador Gondomar that you are taken and held at the
disposal of the King of Spain. Gondomar is to inform him whether
King Philip wish that you be sent to Spain to essay the justice
of his Catholic Majesty, or that you suffer here. Meanwhile your
quarters are being made ready in the Tower. Yet you tell me you
are not prisoner! You go of your own free will to London. Sir
Walter, do not be deceive'. If you reach London, you are lost."
Now here was news to shatter Sir Walter's last illusion.
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