were portraits of Kings
Charles II. and James II. in gilded frames; also portraits of
Governors Winthrop, Endicott, and Bradstreet.

Thanking Mr. Knox for his kindness, Robert passed into the street,
took a look at the stocks and pillory, and wondered if that was the
best way to punish those who had committed petty offenses.

He saw a girl tripping along the street. A young lieutenant in command
of the sentinels around the Town House stared rudely at her. In
contrast to the leering look of the officer, the negro servants
filling their pails at the pump were very respectful in giving her
room to pass. He saw the two soldiers who had attempted to pick a
quarrel with him on the wharf, emerge from an alley. One chucked the
young lady under the chin: the other threw his arm around her and
attempted to steal a kiss. Robert heard a wild cry, and saw her
struggle to be free. With a bound he was by her side. His right arm
swung through the air, and his clenched fist came down like a
sledge-hammer upon the head of the ruffian, felling him to the earth.
The next moment the other was picked up and plunged headforemost into
the watering-trough. No word had been spoken. The girl, as if not
comprehending what had happened, stood amazed before him.

"Thank you, sir; I never shall forget your kindness," she said,
dropping a low courtesy and walking rapidly up Queen Street.

Never before had he seen a face like hers, a countenance that would
not fade from memory, although he saw it but a moment.

Suddenly he found himself confronted by the lieutenant, who came
running from the Town House, with flashing eyes and drawn sword.
Robert did not run, but looked him squarely in the face.

"What do you mean, you"--

The remainder of the sentence is not recorded: the printed page is
cleaner without it.

"I meant to teach the villains not to insult a lady."

"I've a good mind to split your skull open," said the lieutenant,
white with rage, but not knowing what to make of a man so calm and
resolute.

"Let me get at him! Let me get at him! I'll knock the daylight out of
him," shouted the fellow whom Robert had felled to the ground, but who
had risen and stood with clenched fists. The other, the while, was
clambering from the trough, wiping the water from his face and ready
to rush upon Robert, angered all the more by the jeers of the grinning
negroes.

"What is all this about?"

It was Lieutenant-Colonel Dalrymple speaking. He had se