ngs once more by the energy of his iron
will.

"How many still remain with us?" he asked, anxiously, of Ludwell.

"Alas! sir, if the rumour which we heard as we came hither be
true--none, absolutely none. There was an immense crowd gathered around
the tavern, listening to the news of our defeat from one of the
soldiers, and as we passed a loud and insulting cry went up of "Long
live Bacon! and down with tyranny!" The soldiers declared that they
would not stain their hands with the blood of their fellow-subjects; the
citizens as vehemently declared that the town itself should not long
harbour those who had trampled on their rights. Treason stalks abroad
boldly and openly, and I fear that the loyalty of Virginia is confined
to this room."

"Now, Heaven help me," said Berkeley, sadly, "for the world has well
nigh deserted me. And yet, if I fall, I shall fall at my post, and the
trust bestowed upon me by my king shall be yielded only with my life."

"It were madness to think of remaining longer here," said Beverley; "the
rebels, with the most consummate courage, evince the most profound
prudence and judgment. Before the dawn they will bring their cannon to
bear upon our ships and force them to withdraw from the harbour, and
then all means of escape being cut off, we will be forced to surrender
on such terms as the enemy may dictate."

"We will yield to no terms," replied Berkeley. "For myself, death is far
preferable to dishonour. Rather than surrender the trust which I have in
charge, let us remain here, until, like the brave senators of Rome, we
are hacked to pieces at our posts by the swords of these barbarians."

"But what can you expect to gain by such a desperate course," said old
Ballard, who, though not without a sufficient degree of courage, would
prefer rather to admire the heroism of the Roman patriots in history,
than to vie with them in their desperate resolution.

"I expect to retain my honour," cried the brave old Governor. "A brave
man may suffer death--he can never submit to dishonour."

"My honoured Governor," said Major Beverley, whose well-known courage
and high-toned chivalry gave great effect to his counsel; "believe me,
that we all admire your steady loyalty and your noble heroism. But
reflect, that you gain nothing by desperation, and it is the part of
true courage not to hazard a desperate risk without any hope of success.
God knows that I would willingly yield up my own life to preserve
un