while Drake was in mid-Pacific, the vigilant ambassador
received from the King of Spain copies of despatches from
the Viceroys of Peru and Mexico, as well as from the
Government of the Spanish Alain giving the first authentic
news of what had happened. To the Spanish Government,
so well had the secret been kept, it came as a complete sur-
prise, and Mendoza was instructed to learn everything he
could about the venture and to keep his eyes open for the
return of the pirate, in case he eluded the measures that
had been taken to capture him in America. ¹ It was not
till three weeks later the news became common property.
On August 3 an express from the English merchants in
Seville arrived with tidings that Drake had been in the
South Sea and had captured 200,000 ducats of the king's
property and 400,000 belonging to private owners. 'The
adventurers,' wrote Mendoza, 'are beside themselves with
joy,' and at the same time he was able to report, as the
first fruits of his inquiries, that he had reason to believe
some of the Privy Council were among the persons
interested. In the City, so far from the great exploit
being hailed with pride and delight, it was received with
consternation. The merchant fleet for Spain was on the
point of sailing. In dread of retaliation and trembling
for their commerce, a deputation waited on the Council
for information and advice. They were reassured by
being told that Drake was nothing but a private adven-
turer who had gone on a voyage of discovery; that if he
had done wrong the King of Spain would certainly not
visit it on their heads, and they might let their ships
proceed on their voyage without fear.

Drake's return was now more anxiously expected than
ever. Rumours of his coming were once more in the air,
and Mendoza, redoubling his vigilance, obtained informa-

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