t was
impossible the information they contained should be concealed from the
public, and that, consequently, even before the return of the Knight,
news of it would reach his house. This, they said, would put the false
Lady Geraldine on her guard, and afford opportunity to destroy papers,
or whatever else might be in existence to inculpate the Knight. It
was, therefore, their opinion, that the lady, with whatever might be
found in the house to assist their judgment, should be instantly
seized, and such other measures taken as to insure the arrest of Sir
Christopher. There was, however, too much nobleness of feeling in a
majority of the Council to relish invading the privacy of a female, on
mere suspicion, while her protector was absent, engaged in business of
the State. Winthrop looked displeased at the suggestion, and even the
brow of the rough Dudley was corrugated into a haughty frown. As
usually happens between differing opinions, a half measure was
resolved upon, which satisfied neither party. It was to keep so strict
a watch, that the moment of Sir Christopher's return should be known,
and a file of armed men despatched by night, who should serve partly
as a guard of honor, and partly as a restraint upon the person, to
escort him to Boston. At the same time, with apologies for its
necessity, his books and papers were to be secured, and the lady
brought in all honor with him. This was the plan, should the Knight
visit his house before coming to Boston; but if he arrived at the
settlement first, he was to be detained and examined, after an account
of his mission had been received.

CHAPTER XXIV.

"The flying rumors gathered as they rolled;
Scarce any tale was sooner heard than told;
And all who told it added something new,
And all who heard it made enlargement too;--
In every ear it spread--on every tongue it grew."

POPE'S "_Temple of Fame_."

Ignorant, of course, of the events which had occurred during his
absence, the Knight started from the Indian village in high spirits,
as it appeared to Arundel, at the success of his embassy.

"These savages are more placable than I anticipated," said Sir
Christopher, "for it must be admitted that, in appearance at least,
they have cause for grievous resentment. One might almost suspect
that, since their late defiance, a suspicion of the truth had somehow
penetrated their untutored minds. At any rate, no war-whoop will be
heard for the present, and