' And she began to weep.
Then by degrees I learned the story, but I will not write it here, for
it is known to the world. When Marina had served his turn and her wit
was of no more service to him, the conqueror discarded her, leaving her
to wither of a broken heart. She told me all the tale of her anguish
when she learned the truth, and of how she had cried to him that
thenceforth he would never prosper. Nor indeed did he do so.
For two hours or more we talked, and when I had heard her story I told
her mine, and she wept for me, since with all her faults Marina's heart
was ever gentle.
Then we parted never to meet again. Before I went she pressed a gift of
money on me, and I was not ashamed to take it who had none.
This then was the history of Marina, who betrayed her country for her
love's sake, and this the reward of her treason and her love. But I
shall always hold her memory sacred, for she was a good friend to me,
and twice she saved my life, nor would she desert me, even when Otomie
taunted her so cruelly.
CHAPTER XXXIX
THOMAS COMES BACK FROM THE DEAD
Now on the morrow of my visit to Marina, the Captain Diaz came to see me
and told me that a friend of his was in command of a carak which was due
to sail from the port of Vera Cruz for Cadiz within ten days, and
that this friend was willing to give me a passage if I wished to leave
Mexico.
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