Harry took his seat by the door, called for a glass of wine and drank it, and, having soon seen enough of the nature of the entertainment, was about to leave, when his attention was attracted by a young girl who took her place on the platform.  She was evidently a gypsy, for at this time these people were the minstrels of Europe.  It would have been considered shameful for any other woman to sing publicly.  Two or three of these women had already sung, and Harry had been disgusted with their hard voices and bold looks.  But he saw that the one who now took her place on the platform was of a different nature.  She advanced nervously, and as if quite strange to such a scene, and touched her guitar with trembling fingers.  Then she began to sing a Spanish romance in a sweet, pure voice.  There was a good deal of applause when it finished, for even the rough sailors could appreciate the softness and beauty of the melody.  Then a half-drunken man shouted, “Give us something lively.  Sing ‘May the Devil fly off with Old Noll.’”

The proposal was received with a shout of approval by many, but some of the sailors cried out, “No, no.  No politics.  We won’t hear Cromwell insulted.”

This only led to louder and more angry shouts on the part of the others, and in all parts of the room men rose to their feet, gesticulating and shouting.  The girl, who evidently did not understand a word that was said, stood looking with affright at the tumult which had so suddenly risen.  In a minute swords were drawn.  The foreign sailors, in ignorance of the cause of dispute, drew their knives, and stood by the side of those from the English ships, while the foreign soldiers seemed ready to make common cause with the English who had commenced the disturbance.  Two or three of the latter leaped upon the platform to insist upon their wishes being carried out.  The girl, with a little scream, retreated into a corner.  Harry, indignant at the conduct to his countrymen, had drawn his sword, and made his way quietly toward the end of the hall, and he now sprang upon the platform.

“Stand back,” he shouted angrily.  “I’ll spit the first man who advances a step.”

“And who are you, sir, who ventures to thrust yourself into a quarrel, and to interfere with English gentlemen?”

“English gentlemen,” Harry said bitterly.  “God help England if you are specimens of her gentlemen.”

“S’death!” exclaimed one.  “Run the scoundrel through, Ralph.”

In a moment Harry slashed open the cheek of one, and ran the other through the arm.  By this time the fray had become general in the hall.  Benches were broken up, swords and knives were used freely.  Just as the matter began to grow serious there was a cry of “The watch!” and a strong armed guard entered the hall.