were to be ranked the very chivalry of Virginia; while his own force
consisted merely of his faithful adherents in the council, and about
fifty mercenary troops, whose sympathies with the insurgents were
strongly suspected.

"I see," said the old man, gloomily, as he took his seat at the
council-board, "that I must seek some other refuge. I am hunted like a
wild beast from place to place, through a country that was once my own,
and by those who were once the loving subjects of my king."

"Remain here!" said the impulsive old Temple. "The people of Gloucester
will yet rally around your standard, when they see open treason is
contemplated; and should they still refuse, zounds, we may yet offer
resistance with my servants and slaves."

"My dear friend," said Berkeley, sorrowfully, "if all Virginians were
like yourself, there would have been no rebellion--there would have been
no difficulty in suppressing one, if attempted. But alas! the loyalty of
the people of Gloucester has already been weighed in the balance and
found wanting. No, I have acted hastily, foolishly, blindly. I have
warmed this serpent into life by my forbearance and indulgence, and must
at last be the victim of its venom and my folly. Oh! that I had refused
the commission, which armed this traitor with legal power. I have put a
sword into the hands of an enemy, and may be the first to fall by it."

"It is useless to repine over the past," said Philip Ludwell, kindly;
"but the power of these rebels cannot last long. The people who are
loyal at heart will fall from their support, and military aid will be
received from England ere long. Then the warmed reptile may be crushed."

"To my mind," said Ballard, "it were better to repair the evil that has
been done by retracing our steps, rather than to proceed further. When a
man is over his depth, he had better return to the shore than to attempt
to cross the unfathomable stream."

"Refrain from enigmas, if you please," said Berkeley, coldly, "and tell
me to what you refer."

"Simply," replied Ballard, firmly, "that all this evil has resulted from
your following the jesuitical counsel of a boy, rather than the prudent
caution of your advisers. My honoured sir, forgive me if I say it is now
your duty to acquiesce in the request of Major Hansford, and withdraw
your proclamation."

"And succumb to traitors!" cried Berkeley. "Never while God gives me
breath to reiterate it. He who would treat with a traitor,