rrent that you cannot
resist. Comply with my request, and peace and harmony will once more
prevail; refuse, and let who will triumph, the unhappy colony will be
involved in all the horrors of civil war."

There was nothing boastful in the manner of Hansford, as he uttered
these words. On the contrary, his whole bearing, while it showed
inflexible determination, attested his sincerity in the wish that the
Governor, for the good of the country, would yield to the suggestion.
Nor did Sir William Berkeley, in spite of his indignation, fail to see
the force and wisdom of the views presented; but he had too much pride
to acknowledge it to an inferior.

"Now, by my troth," he cried, "if this be not treason, I am at a loss to
define the term. I should think this would satisfy even your scepticism,
Colonel Temple; for it seems we must consult you in regard to our course
while under your roof. You would scarcely consent, I trust, to a
self-convicted traitor going at large."

"Of course you act in the premises, according to your own judgment,"
replied Temple, coldly, for he was justly offended at the overbearing
manner of the incensed old Governor, "but since you have appealed to me
for my opinion, I will e'en make bold to say, that as this young man
came in the character of an intercessor, you might well be satisfied
with his parole. I will myself be surety for his truth."

"Parole, forsooth, and do you not think I have had enough of paroles
from these rebel scoundrels--zounds, their faith is like an egg-shell,
it is made to be broken."

"With my sincere thanks to my noble friend," said Hansford, "for his
obliging offer, I would not accept it if I could. Unconscious of having
done any thing to warrant this detention, I am not willing to
acknowledge its justice, by submitting to a qualified imprisonment."

"It is well," said Berkeley, haughtily; "we will see whether your pride
is proof against an ignominious death. Disarm him and hold him in close
custody until my farther pleasure shall be known."

As he said this, Hansford was disarmed, and led away under a strong
guard to the apartment which Colonel Temple reluctantly designated as
the place of his confinement.

Meantime Berkenhead had remained at the gate, guarded by two of the
soldiers of the Governor; while old Giles, with a light heart, had found
his way back to his old stand by the kitchen door, and was detailing to
his astonished cronies the unlucky ventures, and