denied them repose. There was "hurrying to and fro,"
along Stuart street, and "whispering with white lips," among the
thronging citizens. Ever siding with the stronger party, and inclined to
attribute to the besieged Governor the whole catalogue of evils under
which the colony was groaning, many of the lower classes of the citizens
expressed their sympathy with Nathaniel Bacon, and only awaited a secret
opportunity to desert to his ranks. A conspiracy was ripening among the
soldiery to open the gates to the insurgents, and surrender at once the
town and the Governor into their hands--but over-awed by the resolute
boldness of their leader, and wanting in the strength of will to act for
themselves, they found it difficult to carry their plan into execution.

Sir William Berkeley, with a few of his steady adherents and faithful
friends, was anxiously awaiting, in the large hall of the palace, the
tidings of the recent sally upon the besiegers. Notwithstanding the
superior numbers of his men, he had but little confidence either in
their loyalty or courage, while he was fully conscious of the desperate
bravery of the insurgents. While hope whispered that the little band of
rebels must yield to the overwhelming force of the garrison, fear
interposed, to warn him of the danger of defection and cowardice in his
ranks. As thus he sat anxiously endeavouring to guess the probable
result of his sally, heavy footsteps were heard ascending the stairs.
The heart of the old Governor beat thick with apprehension, and the damp
drops wrung from him by anxiety and care, stood in cold beads upon his
brow.

"What news?" he cried, in a hoarse, agitated voice, as Colonel Ludwell,
Robert Beverley, and Alfred Bernard entered the room. "But I read it in
your countenances! All is lost!"

"Yes, Governor Berkeley," said Philip Ludwell, "all is lost! we have not
even the melancholy consolation of Francis, 'that our honour is
preserved.' The cowardly hinds who followed us, fled from the first
charge of the rebels, like frightened hares. All attempts to rally them
were in vain, and many of them we understand have joined with the
rebels."

As the fatal tidings fell upon his ear, Berkeley pressed his hand to his
forehead, and sobbed aloud. The heart of the brave old loyalist could
bear no more--and all the haughty dignity of his nature gave way in a
flood of bitter tears. But the effect was only transient, and nerving
himself, he controlled his feeli