Mystery of Errors by Simon Hawke

Author:Simon Hawke [Hawke, Simon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery, Historical
ISBN: 9780312873721
Google: 0tfXU5V3sKEC
Amazon: 0312873727
Barnesnoble: 0312873727
Goodreads: 4824441
Publisher: Forge
Published: 2000-03-15T17:49:40+00:00

"A spy! "

"Aye, he allowed himself to get drawn into it while he was pursuing his studies at Cambridge. A nasty, complicated business. Papist versus Protestant, Rome versus England, with dashing young Kit Marlowe all caught up in it and playing both ends against the middle."

"He told you all this?"

"Nay, I have other sources. Astonishingly enough, Marlowe can keep his mouth shut about some things. To a point, anyway. But he is irrepressible and, as his patron, I have been duly 'cau-tioned.' As an intimate of the queen, you see, I do receive some consideration. Especially since my ships have been so instrumental in helping line the pockets of the Privy Council. But enough about Marlowe. Believe me, the less you know about his intrigues, the better. You wanted to know why I am telling you all this, why I should take you into my confidence."

"Aye, milord. It seems . . . rather unusual. I mean, you do not know me, really. True, 'tis most unlikely that anyone in his right mind would take my word about anything over yours, but never-theless, there is still the possibility that I might compromise you— or Master Marlowe—in some way. That is to say, I assure you that I would not, at least not intentionally, but how do you know that I would not?" Worley chuckled. "Because you say such things, that is how I know. And because I do not know as little about you as you think. I have made inquiries. I know all about your father and his recent difficulties, for one thing, and I know about your uncle, for another. I was most especially interested in him, considering your claim that you could craft a sword superior to the one I loaned you. Was it merely arrogant boastfulness or simple honesty? As your uncle was the man who taught you, I was keen to learn what sort of work he did. Now, I believe you." Worley reached down to his side and drew a dagger from a sheath at his belt. He placed it on the table and slid it across to Smythe. "You will recognize the workmanship, of course, even without your uncle's maker's mark on the ricasso. The craftsmanship is among the best that I have ever seen."

Smythe picked up the dagger, already knowing it to be his uncle's work. He swallowed nervously. "I take your point, Sir William."

"I think you miss it," Worley replied, seeing the expression on his face. "I am not threatening your family, Smythe. I could, of course, but that was not my purpose. I wanted to find out more about you. That day on the road, I saw something in you that I do not see in men very often. I saw a remarkable forthrightness, and a complete lack of fear. Those are very admirable qualities. Admirable and rare. And they should be encouraged."

"I am not fearless, Sir William," Smythe said. "In all honesty, I was a bit afraid to come here." Worley shook his head.

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