In this wise they came at length to Greenwich on the
last of the ebb. But here finding the water beginning to grow
against them, and wearied by the exertion into which Stukeley's
enthusiasm had flogged them, the watermen paused again, declaring
that they could not reach Gravesend before morning.
Followed a brief discussion, at the end of which Sir Walter bade
them put him ashore at Purfleet.
"And that's the soundest counsel," quoth the boatswain. "For at
Purfleet we can get horses on to Tilbury."
Stukeley was of the same opinion; but not so the more practical
Captain King.
"'Tis useless," he declared to them. "At this hour how shall you
get horses to go by land?"
And now, Sir Walter, looking over his shoulder, saw the other
wherry bearing down upon them through the faintly opalescent
mists of dawn. A hail came to them across the water.
"Oh, 'Sdeath! We are betrayed!" cried Ralegh bitterly, and
Stukeley swore more fiercely still. Sir Walter turned to him.
"Put ashore," he said shortly, "and let us home."
"Ay, perhaps 'twere best. For to-night there's an end to the
enterprise, and if I am taken in your company now, what shall be
said to me for this active assistance in your escape?" His voice
was gloomy, his face drawn and white.
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