"Ah, Master Shakespeare, this morning's work
was a lucky stroke of business for both of us. 'Tis
a rare and wonderful thing to be under the patronage
of the Queen's favourite."



CHAPTER IV
The DoMiaL of Florio

When they had stayed their stomachs, and had
given their faithful horses a measure of oats,
Shakespeare and Roger Covert g^ily set forth upon
the road, letting their steeds have free rein while they
discussed their wonderful encounter with the robbers,
of which their heads and hearts were full.
"Ah, Master Will, it was marvelous the way you
let daylight into the highwayman's skull," laughed
Roger, slyly winking at his companion. "I warned
you once that you were too modest ; you should have
taken full credit for the deed."

"And in that case what would have become of
your appointment in Sir Walter's guards?" quickly
retorted Shakespeare.
"Aye, 'tis true enough, Master Will. You have
me there. I will plague you no more, but will most
humbly tender my thanks for your honesty, and
crave your pardon for my forwardness."

" 'Tis freely granted, Roger. 'Twas a lucky hap-
pening when we found you wounded by the road,
for what would have fared me to-day were John
Hallam my squire? I cannot bear to think on it.
