ell him that his commission is
null and void, because obtained by force and arms."

"I had not expected to hear Sir William Berkeley make such an
acknowledgment," returned Hansford, undauntedly. "You yourself declared
that the commission was not given from fear of threats; and even if this
were not so, the argument would scarce avail--for on what compulsion
was it that your signature appears in a letter to his majesty, warmly
approving the conduct of General Bacon, and commending him for his zeal,
talents and patriotism?"[40]

"Now, by my knighthood," said Berkeley, stung by this last unanswerable
argument, "I will not be bearded thus by an insolent, braggart boy.
Seize him!" he cried, turning to Bernard and Ludwell, who stood nearest
him. "He is my prisoner, and as an example to his vile confederates, he
shall hang in half an hour, until his traitorous tongue has stopped its
vile wagging."

Hansford made no attempt to escape, but, as the two men approached to
disarm and bind him, he fixed his fine blue eyes full upon Colonel
Temple, and said, mildly,

"Shall this be so? Though Sir William Berkeley should fail to respect my
position, as the bearer of a peaceable message from General Bacon, I
trust that the rites of hospitality may not be violated, even in my
humble person."

Colonel Temple was much embarrassed. Notwithstanding the recent conduct
of Hansford had alienated him to a great degree, he still entertained a
strong affection for his boy--nor could he willingly see him suffer a
wrong when he had thus so confidingly trusted to his generosity. But,
apart from his special interest in Hansford, the old Virginian had a
religious regard for the sacred character of a guest, which he could
never forget. And yet, his blind reverence for authority--the bigoted
loyalty which has always made the English people so cautious in
resistance to oppression, and which retarded indeed our own colonial
revolution--made him unwilling to oppose his character of host to the
authority of the Governor. He looked first at Sir William Berkeley, and
his resolution was made; he turned to Hansford, and as he saw his noble
boy standing resolutely there, without a friend to aid him, it wavered.
The poor old gentleman was sadly perplexed, but, after a brief struggle,
his true, generous heart conquered, and he said, turning to Sir William:

"My honoured sir, I trust you will not let this matter proceed any
further here. My house, my life, my