this kind respecting another? This betrayer of treachery, this
touchstone of truth, shall off forthwith to Winthrop, and be the
antidote to the bane of my letter."

Thus murmured Governor Bradford, grieved as well as vexed at the
deceit, as he supposed it to be. With a rapid hand, he wrote an
account of his discovery, and entrusting it, with the note-book, to a
messenger, commanded him to hasten after the soldiers from Governor
Winthrop, and deliver to them the package.

CHAPTER XXXV.

Nought is on earth more sacred or divine,
That gods and men do equally adore,
Than this same virtue that doth right define,
For th' heavens themselves, whence mortal men implore,
Right in their wrongs, are ruled by righteous lore.

SPENSER'S FAERY QUEEN.

It was with some embarrassment that Governor Winthrop received his
prisoner, though none was manifested in the mien of Sir Christopher.
On the contrary, his manner indicated conscious innocence, and just
that degree of resentment which a well-balanced mind and good temper
might be expected to exhibit under the circumstances. If there was any
change in his bearing, he was a trifle haughtier, as presuming on his
rank--a trait never noticed in him before, and it showed itself by his
speaking first, without waiting to be addressed, the moment he entered
the presence of the Governor.

"By what authority," he demanded with some sternness, "is it, that I,
a free-born Englishman, innocent of crime, have a price set on my
head, and am hunted by savages bribed for that purpose?"

Before making a reply, the Governor intimated his desire to be left
alone with the Knight, whereupon those present retired.

"You inquire by what authority you are arrested," said Winthrop. "I
answer, by that authority vested in me by charter, as the ruler of a
State; by common law, and by common sense. The question is not asked
by one with the endowments of Sir Christopher Gardiner because he is
ignorant, but for some other reason."

"Is it in humanity," returned the Knight, "not to be annoyed at the
outrage? How bitterly," he added, looking sorrowfully at Winthrop, "is
the pain of the wound aggravated by the knowledge from whose quiver
flew the arrow!"

"I may not choose between my duty and my inclination," responded the
Governor. "I were, otherwise, more unworthy than I am of the awfully
responsible station which Providence hath assigned me. It shall never
be said that, through