red."

"Then why continue to unite your fortunes to a man whose errors are so
gross and disgraceful, and whose culpable actions endanger your own
reputation with your best friends?"

"Because," said Hansford, proudly, "we are engaged in a cause, in the
full accomplishment of which the faults and errors of its champion will
be forgotten, and ransomed humanity will learn to bless his name,
scarcely less bright for the imperfections on its disc."

"Your reasoning reminds me," said Virginia, "of the heretical sect of
Cainites, of whom my father once told me, who exalted even Judas to a
hero, because by his treason redemption was effected for the world."

"Well, my dear girl," replied Hansford, "you maintain your position most
successfully. But since you quote from the history of the Church, I will
illustrate my position after the manner of a sage old oracle of the law.
Sir Edward Coke once alluded to the fable, that there was not a bird
that flitted through the air, but contributed by its donations to
complete the eagle's nest. And so liberty, whose fittest emblem is the
eagle, has its home provided and furnished by many who are unworthy to
enjoy the home which they have aided in preparing. Admit even, if you
please, that General Bacon is one of these unclean birds, we cannot
refuse the contribution which he brings in aid of the glorious cause
which we maintain."

"Aye, but he is like, with his vaulting ambition, to be the eagle
himself," returned Virginia; "and to say truth, although I have great
confidence in your protection, I feel like a lone dove in his talons,
and would wish for a safer home than in his eyrie."

"You need fear no danger, be assured, dearest Virginia," said Hansford,
"either for yourself or your mother. It is a part of his plan to send
one of the ladies under our charge into the city, to apprise the
garrison of our strange manoeuvre; and I have already his word, that
your mother and yourself will be the bearers of this message. In a few
moments, therefore, your dangers will be past, and you will once more be
in the arms of your noble old father."

"Oh thanks, thanks, my generous protector," cried the girl, transported
at this new prospect of her freedom. "I can never forget your kindness,
nor cease to regret that I could ever have had a doubt of your honour
and integrity."

"Oh forget that," returned Hansford, "or remember it only that you may
acknowledge that it is often better to bear with t