s
that at which you so darkly hint."

"The day may come," replied Hutchinson, in the same solemn manner, "when
you will know all to your cost--and when you may find that care and
sorrow can indeed shake reason on her throne."

"Well, be it so, but as you value your safety, urge me no further with
these menaces. But pardon me, how came you in this enclosure? Know you
not that you are within the boundaries of the General's camp, against
his strict orders?"

"Aye," replied the preacher, "I knew that the rebels were encamped
hereabout, but I did not, and do not, see by what right they can impede
a peaceful citizen in his movements."

"Reverend sir," said Hansford, "you have the reputation of having a
sound head on your shoulders, and should have a prudent tongue in your
head. I would advise you, therefore, to refrain from the too frequent
use of that word 'rebel,' which just fell from you. But it is time we
should part. I will conduct you to the gate lest you find some
difficulty in passing the sentry, and you will oblige me, kind sir, by
seeing this young lady to her home." Then turning to Virginia, he
whispered his brief adieu, and imprinting a long, warm kiss upon her
lips, he led the way in silence to the gate. Here they parted. She to
return to her quiet chamber to mourn over hopes thus fled forever, and
he to forget self and sorrow in the stirring events of martial life.

CHAPTER XXIII.

"In the service of mankind to be
A guardian god below; still to employ
The mind's brave ardour in heroic aims,
Such as may raise us o'er the grovelling herd
And make us shine forever--that is life."
_Thomson._

In a short time the bustle and stir in the camp of the insurgents
announced that their little army was about to commence its march.
Nathaniel Bacon rode slowly along Stuart street, at the head of the
soldiery, and leaving Jamestown to the east, extended his march towards
the falls of James river. Here, he had received intelligence that the
hostile tribes had gathered to a head, and he determined without delay
to march upon them unawares, and with one decisive blow to put an end to
the war. Flushed with triumph, he thought, the soldiery would more
willingly and efficiently turn their arms against the government, and
aid in carrying out his darling project of effecting some organic
changes in the charter of the colony; if, indeed, it was not already h