ke the attempt;" murmured the
other; and, his thoughts reverting to what had just passed, he continued
to himself, "A pretty page, truly! and who, but a fool, or a mad-cap,
like myself, could have looked at those eyes once, and not know them
again?"

"You are disturbed, young man," said the priest, regarding him
attentively; "and that disguise, for whatever purpose assumed, seems to
sit but ill upon you."

"You speak most truly, good father; but I hope to doff these tawdry
garments before morning, if the saints prosper my undertaking."

"Time is waning, my son, and that which you have to do, do quickly; the
dawn of day must not find you lingering here, if your safety and honor
are dear to you."

"You know me!" said the young man, surprised, "but I am totally
unconscious of having ever seen you before."

"I am not sought by the young and gay," replied the priest, "but we may
meet again; yonder is your path," pointing towards the fort, "mine leads
to retirement and solitude."

With these words he turned from him; and the young man, with hasty
steps, pursued his lonely way to the fort of St. John's.

CHAPTER IV.

I am sick of these protracted
And hesitating councils:

LORD BYRON.

The appearance of M. de la Tour at Boston, became a subject of serious
inquiry and discussion to the inhabitants of that place. Time had rather
increased than mitigated the religious prejudices, which separated them
from the parent country, and the approach of every stranger was viewed
with distrust and jealousy. The restless spirit of fanaticism and
faction, curbed within the narrow limits of colonial government, gladly
seized on every occasion to display its blind and pertinacious zeal. The
liberal temper, and impartial administration of governor Winthrop, had
been often censured by the more rigid Puritans, and his open espousal of
La Tour's cause, excited much discontent and animosity. Though avowedly
a Hugonot, there was reason to believe La Tour embraced the sentiments
of that party from motives of policy, and it was rumored that he
entertained Romish priests in his fort, and permitted them to celebrate
the rites of their religion. This was sufficient food for passion and
prejudice; and though La Tour, and his principal officer, De Valette,
were entertained with the utmost hospitality at the house of the chief
magistrate, his cause obtained few advocates, and his person was, in
general, regarded wi