The white chief among the red men; or, Knight of the golden melice; a historical romance

University of California • Berkeley

From the library

of
JAMES D. HART

THE WHITE CHIEE

AMONG

THE RED MEN;

OR,

KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE

i si0ntal

BY

THE AUTHOR OF " THE LOST HUNTER."

" One « * * * * calling himself ***** Knight of the

Golden Melice."

Winthi'oj)'8 History of New England.

NEW YORK :
DERBY & JACKSON, 119 NASSAU STREET.

1859.

ENTERED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by

JOHN TURVILL ADAMS,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of
New York.

H. L. A.

To whom but to yourself, my H., should I dedicate this Romance,
which may be said to be the fruit of our mutual studies ? With what
delight I have watched the unfolding, like a beautiful flower, of your
youthful mind, while instead of indulging in frivolous pursuits, so
common to your age, you have applied yourself to the acquiring of
useful knowledge as well as of elegant accomplishments, none but a
parent can know. Accept what I have written, my darling, as a
tribute to a love which makes the happiness of my life.

J. T. A.

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

H* cast, (of which we rather boast,)
The Gospel's pearl upon our coast,
And in these rocks for us did frame
A temple where to sound Hi* name,
O let our voice His praise exalt
Till it arrive at Heaven's vault,
Which there perhaps rebounding may
Echo beyond the Mexic bay.
Thus sang they, in the English boat,
A holy and a cheerful note,
And all the way to guide their chime,
With falling oars they kept the time.

Andrew MarveWs " Emigrants in the Bermuda*,"

THE beginning of the 17th century is an interesting
epoch in American annals. Although the Atlantic coast
of that vast country now comprised within the limits of
the United States and Canada had previously been traced
by navigators, and some little knowledge acquired of the
tribes of red men who roamed its interminable forests, no

1

10 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

attempt at colonization worthy of the name had succeeded.
The principal, if not the only advantage derived from the
discovery of North America, came from the fisheries of
Newfoundland and Labrador, frequented mostly by the
adventurous mariners of England, France and Spain. In
these cold seas, to the music of storms howling from the
North Pole, and dashing with ceaseless rage the salt spray
against the rocky shore, they threw their lines and cast
their nets, at the same time enriching themselves, and form
ing for their respective countries a race of hardy and
skilful sailors. The land attracted them not. The in
ducements which led to the more speedy conquest and
settlement of South America by the Spaniards, were want
ing. Gold and silver to tempt cupidity were not to be
found, and the stern, though not inhospitable character of
the Northern tribes was very different from the imbecile
effeminacy of the Southern races. The opposition likely
to be encountered was more formidable, and the prize to
be won hardly proportioned to the hazard to be incurred.
While, therefore, the atrocious Spaniards were enslaving
the helpless natives of Peru and Mexico, and compelling
them by horrid cruelties to deliver up their treasures, the
wild woods of all that region to the north of the Gulf
bearing the name of the latter country, continued to ring
to the free shout of the tawny hunter. Not that attempts
had not been made to obtain footing on the continent, but
they had all failed by reason of the character of the emi.

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 11

grants, or the want of support from home, or of a thousand
oiher causes reducible to the category of ill luck, bad
management, or providential determination.

But the 17th century introduced a new order of things,
beginning with the arrival of the first permanent colony
on the coast of Virginia in the year 1607, indissolubly as
sociated with the name of the chivalrous Captain John
Smith ; followed in 1614 by the occupancy of the mouth
of the river Hudson, and of the island of Manhattan-, the
present site of the city of New- York, by the Dutch ; and,
in 1623, of New-England, by the English. The fulness of
time had arrived, when the seeds ->f a mighty empire were
to be sown.

A diversity of opinion prevails with regard to the mo
tives of the early colonists to leave their homes. Without
entering into an elaborate discussion of the subject, and
thereby invading the province of the historian, it may per
haps be permitted me to say, that, in my judgment, they
were partly political, partly religious, partly commercial,
and partly adventurous.

One of the first acts of James the First of England, on
his accession to the throne in 1603, was the conclusion, by a
peace with Spain, of the long war so gloriously signalized
by the destruction of the Armada. The pacific policy
wherewith he began his administration, he never aban
doned during the twenty-two years while he held the
sceptre. Hence the spirit of enterprise which exists in

12 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

various degrees in every flourishing nation, rinding itself
diverted from that warlike channel wherein it had been
accustomed to flow, was obliged to seek other issues.
The immense region beyond the sea. claimed by England
by priority of discovery, offered a theatre for a portion of
that spirit to expend itself upon. Hither turned their eyes
those who, in the wars, had contracted a fondness for ad
venture, and were unwilling to sink back into the peaceful
pursuits of laborious industry. For such men, the vague
and the uncertain possess irresistible attractions. For
them, emigration was like the hazard of the gaming-table ;
ruin was a possible consequence, but fortune mi^ht also
crown the most extravagant hopes. The merchant re
garded with favor a scheme which would furnish employ
ment for his ships by the transportation of men and stores.
Besides, the fisheries had always been productive ; they
might be largely extended, and a trade in furs and other
products of the country opened with the Indians. Per
haps the precious metals, found in such quantities by the
Spaniards at the South, might enrich the North. Happily
they found not that pernicious bane which is alike the cor-
rupter of private morals and the debaucher of nations.
To these considerations may be added a willingness at
least on the part of the government, to rid itself of idle
profligates and unruly spirits. Guided by this chart, it is
not difficult to understand why efforts similar to those
which had proved abortive, should now be successful.

INTKODUCTOKY CHAPTER. 13

The character of the first emigrants to the Virginia
colony, and the products of the country sent home, confirm
these views. They are described as u many gentlemen,
a few laborers, several refiners, goldsmiths, and jewellers,"
arid the returning ships were freighted with cedar and with a
glittering earth, which was mistaken for gold. Another par
ty is spoken of by a chronicler of the times, as " many un
ruly gallants sent hither by their friends to escape ill desti
nies." Doubtless among those denominated gentlemen and
gallants were some noble souls, like, though longo intervallo,
to the heroic Smith.

While the Virginia colony was slowly struggling
against adverse circumstances, and attracting to herself the
cavaliers who, in various capacities and with different for
tunes, had figured in those troubled times, important
changes were going on at home destined to exert a mighty
influence on the New World. That awakening of the
intellect occasioned by the speculations of Wyckliff, the
morning star of the Reformation, more than two hundred
years before, and to which Luther and Calvin had imparted
a fresh impulse, was performing its destined work. By
the assertion of the right of ^private judgment in matters
of religion, the pillars of authority had been shaken.
Nothing was considered as too sacred to be examined.
To the tribunal of the mind of every man, however undis
ciplined and illiterate, were brought, like criminals to be
tried, the profoundest mysteries and most perplexing ques-

14 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER,

tions of theology, and in proportion to the ignorance of the
judge, was the presumption with which sentence was pro
nounced. A genera] love of dogma prevailed. The cross-
legged tailor plying his needle on his raised platform ; the
cobbler in the pauses of beating the leather on his lap-
stone ; and 'the field-laborer as he rested on his spade ; dis
cussed with serene and satisfied assurance problems, be
fore the contemplation of which, the ripest learning and
highest order of mind had veiled their faces. Dissatisfac
tion with the condition of things spread more and more.
All, in both Church and State, was considered out of joint.
The former had not sufficiently cleansed herself from the
pollutions of Rome, and lagging behind at a wide distance
from the primitive model, required to be further reformed ;
the latter by encroachments on the liberties of the subject,
and assistance furnished to a corrupt hierarchy, had be
come odious, and was to be resisted and restrained. The
idea of abolishing the monarchy had indeed not entered
the mind of the most daring reformer ; but it is certain, that
when his feelings were inflamed by brooding over real and
fancied wrongs from the established Church, his anger
would overflow upon the government, which, with no
sparing hand, wielded the sword to enforce pains and
penalties, imposed, ostensibly for the protection of religion,
but in reality for the interests of an ally and its own safety.
U was this exaspeiation, partly of a religious and partly of

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 15

a political nature, that bore its legitimate fruit in the exe
cution of Charles.

Before that awful lesson, however, discontent had in
creased until the unhappy zealots, too feeble to resist, yet
too resolute to submit, determined to leave their country.
Hard fate ! Self-banished from the associations of child
hood, from the memorials of their ancestors ! But whither
should they fly ? They had heard indeed of a country, far
beyond the sea, where a refuge might be found, and whither
some of their countrymen had gone ; but those first emi
grants were cavaliers, men of the same creed as their per
secutors, and who had been induced to leave England by
motives different from those which controlled their minds.
Their purpose would not be attained by joining the Vir
ginia colony. They were not merely adventurers, hunting
after earthly treasures, but pilgrims in search of the king
dom of heaven. Their company consisted of delicate
women and children, from whom they could not part, as
well- as of hardy men ; and such were unfit to encounter
the perils of a new settlement, in an untried climate, and
an unknown country, infested by savages. Their principal
want was religious liberty ; that they could find in Holland,
and to Holland they went. It was close at hand, and
should any favorable change occur in England, it would
be easy to return. But after an experience of some dozen
years, they found insuperable objections to remaining there,
and determined, no such changes having taken place as

16 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

they anticipated when they left their native land, to emi
grate to America. In a season of the year as stern as the
mood of their own minds, they sought the stormy shores
of New-England, and their example was soon followed by
others direct from the parent country. This first column
was composed exclusively of Protestants, who had refused
conformity to the established Church, or as they were
called, Puritans. Later arrivals brought more mixed com
panies, but still the Puritan element always largely pre
vailed. Now separated by an ocean from kings and
bishops, they resolved to realize the darling idea which,
like the fiery pillar before the wandering Israelites, had
conducted them across the sea, and that was the estab
lishment of a commonwealth after the model of perfection
which they fondly imagined they had discovered. And
where should they find that perfect system, except in the
awful and mysterious volume wherein was the revelation
of God's will, and which, with a devotion that had impressed
its every syllable on their minds, they had day and night
been studying ? Was there not contained therein a form
of government which He had given to his favored people ;
and what did both reason and piety suggest but to accom
modate it to their circumstances ? All things favored the
undertaking. They were at too great a distance to be
easily molested by their enemies : the distracted condition
of the government at home afforded little opportunity for
a strict supervision of their affairs ; and the few savages

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 17

in their neighborhood left by the devastating pestilence
wherewith Providence had swept the new Canaan, in order
to make room for them, they soon found powerless before
the terror of their fire-arms. By excluding all whom it
was their pleasure to call lewd and debauched, or, in other
words, who differed from them in opinion, from participa
tion in the government, they expected to avoid confusion,
and secure the blessing of heaven. It is absurd to suppose
that human pride, and ambition, and avarice did not in
trude into these visions of a reign of the saints on earth,
but unquestionably notions like these exerted a strong in
fluence. They established their commonwealth upon their
theocratic model, and commenced the experiment.

Soon, in logical and honest sequence with the princi
ples which they professed, followed a system of persecution
rivaling that of which they complained in England. To
be true to themselves and creed, they were obliged to
adopt it. We may do as we please ; we may say that the
fanatical notion, the horrid Erinnys, the baleful mother of
woes innumerable, that the dogmas of religion may right
fully be enforced by the sword of the civil, power, domi
nated the world, and in this way account for their con
duct ; or apologize for it by the necessities of their situa
tion, and the peculiarities of their creed ; or combine these
causes, and so extenuate what cannot be defended.

I can well understand how a Puritan of 16 — would jus
tify his rigor. His opinion of himself would be like that

1*

18 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

of the amiable Governor Winthrop, as found in his first
will, (omitted, however, in his second,) as one " adopted
to be the child of God, and an heir of everlasting life, and
that of the mere and free favor of God, who hath elected
me to be a vessel of glory." Such was the Puritan in his
own eyes. He was the chosen of heaven. He had, for
the sake of the Gospel, abandoned his country and the
comforts of civilization, to erect (in the language of Scrip
ture which he loved to use) his Ebenezer in the wilder
ness. He wanted to be let alone. He invited not Papists
or English Churchmen, or any who differed in opinion
from him, to throw in their lots with his. They would
only be obstacles in his way, jarring-strings in his heavenly
antique-fashioned harp. Away with the intruders ! What
right had they to molest him with their dissenting presence ?
The earth was wide : let them go somewhere else. They
would find more congenial associates in the Virginia colony.
He would have no Achans to breed dissension in his camp.
With bold heart and strong hand would he cast them out.
His was the empire of the saints ; an empire, not to be
exercised with feebleness and doubt, but with vigor and
confidence.

It is obvious that a very wide difference existed between
the characters of the two colonies. The cavalier, spark-
ling and fiery as the wines he quaffed, the defender of es
tablished authority and of the divine right of kings, was
the antithesis of the abstemious and thoughtful religionist

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 19

s

and reformer, dissatisfied with the present, hopeful of a
better future, and not forgetful that it was in anger God

' O O

gave the Israelites a king.

Meanwhile the Roman Catholics had not been idle.
Their devoted missionaries, solicitous to occupy other re
gions which should more than supply the deficiency occa
sioned by the Piotestant defection, and confident of the
final triumph of a Church, out of whose pale they believed
could be no salvation, had scattered themselves over the
continent, and with marvellous energy and self-sacrifice,
were extending their influence among the natives. No
boundaries can be placed to the visions of the enthusiastic
religionist. His strength is the strength of God. No
wonder, then, that the Roman Catholic priest should cherish
hopes of rescuing the entire new world from heresy, which
he considered worse than heathenism, and should enlist all
his energies in so grand a cause. It is almost certain that
extensive plans were formed for the accomplishment of
this object.

Such were the elements which the seething caldron of
the old world threw out upon the new. A part only of
the materials furnished by these elements have I used in
framing this tale. It is an- attempt to elucidate the man
ners and credence of quite an early period, and to explain
with the license accorded to a romancer, some passages in
American history.

Thus much have I thought proper to premise. It is

20 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

impossible to judge correctly of the men of any age, with
out taking into consideration the circumstances in which
they were placed, and the opinions that prevailed in their
time. To apply the standard of this year of grace, 1856,
to the religious enlightenment of more than two hundred
years ago, would be like measuring one of Gulliver's Lilli
putians by Gulliver himself. I trust that the world has
since improved, and that of whatever passing follies we
may be guilty, we shall never retrograde to the old narrow
views of truth. If mankind are capable of being taught
any lesson, surely this is one — that persecution or dislike
for opinion sake is a folly and an evil, and that we best
perform the will of Him to whom we are commanded to
be like, not by contracting our affections into the narrow
sphere of those whose opinions harmonize with ours, but
by diffusing our love over His creation who pronounced it
all " very good."

THE

KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE,

CHAPTER I.

Come on, Sir ! now you set your foot on shore,
In novo orbe. *

BEN JONSON'S Alchemist.

OUR tale begins within a few years after the end of the firs;
quarter of the Tith century, at Boston, in Massachusetts, then
in the infancy of its settlement.

On an evening in the month of May, were assembled some
seven or eight men around a table, in a long, low room, the sides
only of which were plastered, the rough beams and joists over
head being exposed to view ; the windows were small, and the
floor without a carpet ; and the furniture consisted of the table,
over which was spread a black cloth, whereupon stood several
lighted candles in brass candlesticks, of a dozen chairs, covered
with russet-colored leather, and of some wooden benches, ranged
against the walls, and which were occupied by various persons.
At one end of the apartment the floor was raised a few inches,
and the chair standing on this elevation differed from the others
in having arms at the sides, and in being of ampler proportions,

22 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

as if by its appearance to vindicate a claim to superior position.
But unpretending as was the room, it was a place of no little
importance, being no less than the Court Hall and Council
Chamber of the " Governor and Company of the Massachusetts
Bay, in New England." At the moment of which we are
speaking, it was appropriated to a meeting of the Court of
Assistants of the Colony.

The person occupying the arm-chair, on the platform, was a
man of not unpleasing appearance, somewhat less than fifty years
of age, and clresse'l with considerable precision in the style pre
vailing among gentlemen of distinction at that day. His face
was rather long, and surmounted by a high and well developed
forehead, from the top of which, dark, parted hair fell in curls
down the temples over a white ruff, fringed with costly lace, that
encircled his neck. His eyes were blue ; his eye-brows highly
arched ; his nose large ; beard covered the upper lip and chin ;
and so far as an opinion could be formed, from his sitting pos
ture, he was tall and well-made. The expression of his counte
nance was gentle, and there was an air of introspection and
abstraction about it as if he were much in the habit of com
muning with his own thoughts. The upper part of his person,
which only was visible, the rest being hid by the table and de
pending cloth, was clothed in a black coat or doublet, without
ornament or even the appearance of a button, and at his side
he wore a rapier, evidently more as a badge of his rank than for
use.

Seated at his right hand, and below the platform, was a man
a dozen years at least his elder, whose stout look and fiery
glances indicated that if time had grizzled his thick and close
cut hair, it had not quenched the heat of his spirit. Like the
gentleman first described, he was dressed in sad-colored garments,
differing but little from 'them, except that instead of a ruff, he
wore a plain white band, falling upon his breast, cut somewhat

THE KNIGHT OF Tllti GOLDEN MELICE. 23

like those worn by clergymen at the present day, but longer, and
passing round the neck and covering the collar of the coat.
Although the oldest of the company, he seemed to have himself
the least under control, continually moving in his chair, drawing
forward arid pushing away the sheets of paper that Jay before
him, and now and then darting an impatient glance at the per
son in the arm-chair, from whom it would wander over his com
panions, and then fasten on the door.

The third and last gentleman whom we think proper to des
cribe, was a man of about the age of the first, but utterly unlike
him. His head was covered with a black skull cap, (probably
to protect his baldness,) beneath which, rose ears more prominent
than ornamental, being very little relieved by the hair, which
was cropped short. His complexion was florid, and the parts of
the face, about the chin and jaws, full and heavy, giving an
appearance of great roundness to the countenance. His features
were regular, the mouth small and compressed, and on the upper
lip he wore a moustache, parted in the centre, and brushed out
horizontally, balanced by a tuft on the chin, four or five inches
long. An adventurous spirit gazed out of his clear steady eyes,
and altogether he looked like a man of determined temper, and
one who, having once formed a resolution, would find it difficult
to relinquish it. Around his neck he also had a broad band,
divided in the middle, and falling half way down his breast.
The remainder of the persons around the table bore the same
general resemblance to these three, in dress, that one gentleman
ordinarily does to another, and all were engaged in conversation.

Presently the gentleman in the arm-chair, who was evidently
the President, took up a small bell that was placed before him,
and sounding it, the summons was replied to by the entrance of
a man from a side-door. He was the servitor or beadle of the
Court, and moving to the end of the table opposite the President,
he stood facing him and waiting his commands.

24 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Bring in the prisoner," said the President, in a low tone, but
so distinct that it was heard all over the room.

The beadle noiselessly glided out, and in a few moments re
turned, leading a man, whose wrists were fastened with gyves,
whom he conducted to the end of the table he had just left, and
placed so as to confront the President.

" Take off the irons," said the same, low. musical voice.

The man, thus unpleasantly introduced, was in the prime of
life, certainly not more than thirty-five or six years of age, and
from his bold and erect carriage, seemed (as was the fact) to have
been bred a soldier. Upon the order to take off the shackles
being complied with, he cast a look of acknowledgment toward
the speaker.

" Master Nowell," said the President, " read the accusation."

The person addressed, who was the Clerk or Secretary, rose
hereupon from his seat near the centre of the table, and read
" the information," which it is unnecessary to give at length,
charging the prisoner with using most foul, scandalous, indecent,
defamatory, and unseemly invectives, reproaches, and passionate
speeches, toward and against the worshipful magistrates and
godly ministers of the colony, thereby contriving and design
ing to bring into contempt, all law, order, religion, and good
government, &c., and to subvert the authority of the magistrates
and undermine the wholesome influence of the godly ministers,
&c., to the disgrace and ruin of the colony and scandal of true
religion, &c.

When the paper had been read, the President demanded —
" Are you guilty or not ?"

" I am as innocent as the worshipful Governor himself, and
whoever wrote those lies, is a villain and a foresworn knave,"
replied the prisoner.

" Enter that the prisoner says he is not guilty," said the Presi
dent, addressing the Secretary ; " and do thou, Philip Joy, re-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELIOB. 25

member where thou art, and express thyself in a manner more
becoming this presence."

" It is hard to be tied up like a mad dog and not get angry,"
replied the accused.

" Sirrah !" cried the gentleman, whose appearance was des
cribed next after the President, " dost thou bring a contumacious
spirit here to bandy words with the right worshipful Governor ?
Silence, and answer peremptorily to the questions of thy
betters."

" Nay, worthy Deputy Governor Dudley, the poor man is, I
doubt not, already sensible of his error, and sinned more out of
ignorance than design," observed the President.

" The honored Governor," spoke an assistant from near the
bottom of the table, " is, I fear, disposed to be too lenient in res
pect of these foul-mouthed carrion."

" Our law condemns no man unheard, nor will I be more stern,"
answered the mild Governor Winthrop, (for it was he). " It
seems to me to be the part of a judge to allow no harsh suspi
cions to enter his mind, lest they throw baleful shadows over his
decisions. Philip Joy," he added, turning to the prisoner, " thou
hast declared thyself innocent ; wilt thou be tried by a jury, or
art content to trust thy cause to the judgment of the honorable
Court of Assistants f '

" I care not who tries me," replied Joy. " I am a true man ;
and, though I don't belong to the congregation, am as honest as
a great many who do, and he is a horrid villain, who — "

" Enough," interrupted the Governor, " a quick tongue often
prejudices, while a slow one seldom doth. Do I understand that
it is thy desire to be tried by the Assistants V

" It is not my desire to be tried by any one," said Joy ; "but,
sith I am to be put on my deliverance, I think that I shall stand
a better chance in the hands of honorable gentlemen, some of
whom have been soldiers, than in the dirty paws of tinkers, and
cobblers, and mere mechanicals."

26 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

No smile mantled over the faces of his grave judges, but it was
obvious, from the twinkling of eyes and glances shot by one to
another, that the speech of Joy had done him no harm with those
who, even thus early, began to feel annoyed at the approach of
the clouted shoe.

" Art them prepared for thy trial f ' inquired the President.

" At any moment, and the sooner the better, your worship.
I had rather mount guard, for a week, in steel helmet and corse
let, with breast, back, culet, gorget, tasses, sword, musket and
bandoliers, in the hottest sun that ever roasted a blackamoor, or
stand up to my knees, six months, in snow, without my mandil-
ion, than lie a day longer in that ace — I mean that kennel of a
lock-up."

" It, mesecms, thou art in a hurry to have justice done thee,
good fellow," said, with a grim smile, the gentleman who was the
third one described, stroking, with his embroidered glove, the
tuft of hair that hung below his chin.

" You are a soldier, Captain Endicott, and can look a man
straight in the eyes," said Joy ; " and, though people give you
credit for a hot temper, I will trust you."

Endicott elevated his eye-brows at this ambiguous compliment,
and for a moment seemed at a loss how to take it, especially as
he remarked a peculiar expression on the faces of his colleagues.

" Being a soldier thyself," he replied, fastening his eyes sternly
on the face of the prisoner, " thou art bound to know that it
becomes not one in the ranks to prattle."

Joy made no answer, but returned a cool and unabashed look
to the gaze of the other.

"• If the witnesses have been called, let them appear," said the
President.

Two men, of a rather mean appearance, now stepped forward ;
an oath by the uplifted hand was administered, and one com
menced his testimony.

The substance of his story was, that Joy, on a certain occa-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 27

sion, and, at a certain place, in his presence and hearing, had
declared, with a profane exclamation, that there were men in the
colony, wiser, and more learned, than either the magistrates or
ministers ; and that, between them both, what with their long
prayers and intermeddling in every body's affairs, they were like
to ruin the plantation.

Upon the conclusion of the testimony, the witness was sharply
cross-questioned by Governor Winthrop, and some inquires were
made by various Assistants, but nothing further was elicited. As
for Joy, he disdained to ask a question, declaring that his accuser,
Timpson, had already been in the stocks for leasing ; and, besides,
had been cudgelled by himself for stealing.

Hezckiah Timpson, a villainous, lean, crop-haired fellow, with
a hang-dog look, and sanctimonious air, upon hearing himself
charged with delinquencies, which were notorious to the whole
Court, raised to heaven his eyes, which, until now, he had kept
fastened on the floor, and, sighing deeply, exclaimed :

" I do confess my iniquities and my sins are ever before me.
Verily, was I then given over to Satan to be buffeted but by free-
grace have I been snatched, as a brand from the burning, even
as I yet hope to see thee, Philip."

" Canting rogue. [ want none of thy hopes, good or bad,"
said Joy.

" Cease thy reviling," cried Dudley, starting from his seat.
"What ! are we to sit here to listen to malapert railings against
men of godly life and conversation ?" he added, addressing him
self to Winthrop. But before the GoveYnor could reply, one of
the Assistants interposed.

" Let the poor man unbosom himself freely," he said, " that
the whole truth may come to light."

" Our worshipful brother Spikeman," answered the Deputy
Governor, with a sneer, (which he did not attempt to suppress,)
" \vas not always ready to allow such free-speech, as witness the

28 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

case of Martin Wrexham, banished for speaking to his dispar
agement."

" I trust that I shall be able to give the worshipful Deputy
Governor such reasons for my conduct, as will satisfy him," said
Spikeman.

Dudley threw himself back into his chair, as if not half sat's-
fied ; and Winthrop, who had calmly listened to the colloquy,
took advantage of the pause that ensued, to direct the other
witness to testify,

From the examination, it appeared that he had been present
at the conversation referred to .by Timpson, that, indeed, it was
between Joy and himself, and that the former had not been
aware of the presence of the informer, until on turning round, when
Timpson was standing at his elbow. He recollected nothing said
by Joy about the ministers, except that he had, any day, rather
listen to one of Corporal Joly's songs, than Mr. Cotton's long ser
mons ; nor respecting the magistrates, but that there were better
judges in England.

The testimony being concluded, the prisoner was asked what
he had to say for himself, to which he replied :

" Only that Hezekiah Timpson was an eves-dropping, lying
villain, and that the other witness had told the truth. He meant
no harm by anything he had said."

" Dost think it advisable to retract anything ?" inquired
Spikeman.

" I know not why I should deny the truth," answered Joy.

" Remand the prisoner, and clear the court-room," cried the
President ; and Joy was accordingly led out, followed by the
spectators.

As soon as the members of the Court were left to themselves,
Winthrop began to collect the opinions of the Assistants, com
mencing with the youngest, who were placed most remote from
him. At first, a considerable diversity of sentiment prevailed,

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN ME LICE. 29

several seeming disposed to discredit Timpson, and to acquit Joy.
They pronounced their opinions shortly and pithily, giving their
reasons in a few words, until it came to Spikeman's turn, who
spoke more at length.

" The vice," he said, " of backbiting godly ministers, and ma
ligning magistrates, had risen, in consequence of the mistaken
leniency of the Court, to an alarming height, so as to threaten
the very foundations of their government. There was not a
Satan-instigated railing Rabsheka, who did not now have his
daily fling at the servants of the Lord, engaged in much tribula
tion in planting his vineyard, and there were many saints who
were already calling out, O Lord,, how long ! They had them
selves just been witnesses of the audacity, wherewith, in the very
presence of the right worshipful Governor, and the worshipful
Assistants, the prisoner had assumed to sit in judgment upon a
member of the congregation, and to foul him with abuse. Never
had he dared to exhibit such topping insolence, had he not sup
posed himself supported by a mutinous spirit from without. It was
a dangerous spirit which, if inflamed by indulgence, would become
a deadly boil to poison the whole body politic. Prick therefore
the imposthume at once, and, like wise surgeons, let out the
offensive matter. He was not surprised at the indignation of the
worthy Deputy. It was a zeal unto godliness, and devoutly did
he wish, that himself, and jJI, were more inspired with it. When
he had asked that the prisoner might be permitted to speak freely,
it was that every Assistant might be convinced by his own ears
of the boldness wherewith rebellion to constituted authority, im
pudently bursting from the bottomless pit, ventured to obtrude
into a court of justice, and to boast of its misdeeds. Was a child
of the covenant of grace, and our brother in Christ, to be re
proached with the sins which he had committed when in the gall
of bitterness and bonds of iniquity, and which had been washed
out by the blood of the New-Testament ? Nay, then, give a

30 THE KNIGHr OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

universal license to every lewd fellow, to rake up the sins of your
youth, and let him send to England — that England which spewed
us out ol her mouth, as if we were not the children of her bowels
— to obtain the proofs. Had there been no word of evidence, the
bare conduct of the prisoner before them was enough to satisfy
them of his dangerous character, and he should feel his conscience
accusing him of failure in his obligations to the Church and the
Colony, were he not to advise exemplary punishment, whereof
banishment would be a necessary but the slightest part.

The speech of Spikeman was evidently acceptable to a ma
jority of the Assistants. It appealed to the fanaticism of some,
and to the fears of others ; but there were some on whom it
produced no such effect. Captain Endicott, fierce zealot as he
was, found in it something disagreeable. As his manner was,
he stroked with his hand the long tuft on his chin, before he
commenced speaking :

" There are things," he said, " in the speech of the worship
ful brother whereof I approve, and others, again, whereunto I
may not give my assent. Though it may savor of worldly pride,
and be proof of the old Adam lingering in me, I will say, that
however guilty in the sight of God, before whom I acknowledge
myself the chief of sinners, I challenge before man an examina
tion of my life, and fear no evil report from England or else
where. But for this self-boasting, I crave the pardon and
prayers of my brethren. Touching the prisoner, which is the
matter in hand, I find him somewhat bold, and not altogether in
other respects what I desire, but yet not worthy of severe punish
ment, or likely to be a dangerous person in the Commonwealth.
Where need requires, I trust, with preventing grace, never to
be deficient in prompt and energetic action, but no necessity
therefor hath, in my judgment, at present arisen. For, as for
this young man, ye are to recollect that he is a soldier, and that
a stout one, and may yet do the Commonwealth service in her

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 31

defence, whereunto I doubt not his willingness, and that his free
speech doth proceed rather from the license of camps than from
malignity of temper. Moreover, I find not the rule of Scripture
whereby we are bound that by the mouth of two or three wit
nesses every word shall be established altogether complied with,
meaning not, thereby, to impugn the statement of our brother of
the congregation, worthy good man Timpson, but only that his
words are not confirmed as our law requires."

Thus spoke Endicott, who was afterwards so notorious for
his severities against dissidents ; but these sentiments found no
echo in the mind of the" Deputy Governor.

" I thank God," he said, " that however gross and innumera
ble my errors and backslidings, I am no libertine." (Here Endi
cott' s eyes flashed, but he contented himself with stroking, in a
musing manner, the long tuft of hair on his chin.) " The
evil we are called upon by the united voice/of the suffering saints
in this wilderness to suppress," continued Dudley, " demands, I
trow, sharper practice than has hitherto been applied, and I do
admire at the milk-and-water temper of the worthy Assistant at
this present. Not thus is he wont to speak, but in the common
is zealous even unto slaying. What incantation or witch of
Endor hath blinded him, I know not."

The blood mounted into the face of Endicott, for he, as well
as the others present, understood the remark to refer to the young
arid gentle wife of the ex-Governor of Salem, and who was sup
posed to exert a great influence in soothing the fierceness of his
disposition, (alas, if it were so, how short a time that influence
lasted !) and many were the smiles that circled the table, but
Winthrop, apprehensive of a storm, interposed.

" My worthy friend," he said, " can surely intend no disrespect
toward one of the stoutest champions of our Israel. Doubtless
he will be able so to explain his words, as to make their meaning
innocent."

32 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELIGE.

*c I complain not," burst forth Endicott. " If it were lawful
to try conclusions in the manner of the Gentiles, and he a fit man
for me to deal with, his lips should never repeat such vitupera
tions;" and as he concluded, he threw one of his embroidered
gloves violently on the table before Dudley, who sat opposite.
te; " Peace, gentlemen," cried Winthrop, rising with dignity, and
looking alternately at one and the other. " Forget not that ye
are brethren, and that upon your harmony depends the pros
perity of our Zion. If ye who are of the household of faith
permit idle bickerings to divide your hearts, how can ye expect
the blessing of Heaven on your labors ? If the cement to hold
together the stones of the temple be untempered mortar, must
not the fabric fall, and bury the worshippers in its ruins ? If
you love me, Captain Endicott, my brave and generous, but
hasty friend, take up your glove ; if you have respect for the
high station you so worthily fill, noble Dudley, extend your hand
in token of amity, and assure our brother that no offence was

<-.- The time occupied by the governor had afforded opportunity
for the passions of the two gentlemen to cool, and for them to
become sensible of the unbecoming parts they were playing.
As if they had at the same instant arrived at a like conclusion,
Endicott reached forward to pick up his gauntlet, while Dudley
stretched out his open palm. It was grasped by the other, and
the two men wrung each other's hand as if whatever might be
their private quarrels, they were resolved to stand by one another
against the rest of the world.

" I crave forgiveness," said Dudley, at the same time resuming
his seat and speech, "of the honorable Assistants in general,
and of my excellent brother Endicott in particular, and beseech
them to ascribe the vehemency of my speech to no want of re
spect for them, but to. my zeal in the common service, and to a

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 33

natural impetuosity. I solemnly protest that my observation
pointed at nothing offensive, and that come whence it might, I
would resent a wrong to my honored brother as quickly as to
myself. Yet I will say, that I marvel that one so familiar with
the nature of wounds as my honorable and dear friend, the
worthy founder of our infant commonwealth, (and this is an
ancient and increasing evil,) should not know that old wounds
require rather vinegar than oil, the cautery instead of unguents.
As a member of the persecuted Church, I will not allow the de
clarations of a brother of that holy and mystical body to be
•overborne and set at naught by an ill liver like this Philip Joy.
I say that men have become too free in uttering their licentious
imaginations abo^it those who are placed by Grod's Providence
above them for their soul's good and bodies' health, and that an
example should be made to repress the gossip of light tongues
and evil thinkers. In punishing this Joy, (who might more
properly be called mourning,) we exalt the honor of the con
gregation, one of whose sons, even in your presence, and with
intent to dishonor you, he has abused with perverse epithets,
while at the same time we strike a, wholesome terror into others
in like case to offend."

He ceased, and looked around as if to gather the suffrages of
his associates, but since the little interruption to their harmony,
the wary Assistants were too politic, by word or sign, to betray
a bias, so that he beheld only downcast eyes, and countenances
purposely vacant, in order to conceal the thoughts of their
owners.

It was now the turn of the Governor to express his opinion,
and as he opened his lips, all eyes were fastened on him. His
manner was grave, yet soft and persuasive, and a desire was
manifest to pursue a course which should offend none, but recon
cile differences by yielding something to all.

" TumuUuosa libertas" (he said, commencing his remarks with

2

84: THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

a Latin quotation,) " tranquilitati probrosce antcponenda e<tf, and in
the lively observations we have heard, I mark not the signs of
dissension, but of free thought, having in view the honor of God
and the welfare of his little flock scattered abroad in a strange
land. But the good shepherd will yet gather the dispersed into
his arms, and gently lead them through green pastures and by
still waters. Our Israel owes you thanks, brethren, for the
vigilance wherewith ye watch the walls of Jerusalem, and are
quick to spy the lurking wolf and ravening bear. If the watch
men sleep, what shall become of the city ? But her strong
towers of defence and bulwarks are ye, emulous only to show
your love.

" It hath been said — to come more immediately to the matter
in hand — that the vice of evil speaking of dignities had greatly
increased, and needed to be repressed. It is so, and cannot be
denied; and I would thereupon note a caution to my brethren,
and that is, the necessity of rather discouraging that democratical
spirit which is threatening to sweep away all distinctions, and to
strip the Assistants themselves of necessary power. It is an
insubordination, whereof foul breaths, licentious imaginations,
and undisciplined tongues, tire the inciters and fomenters. Now,
if one can legitimately be proved guilty of the offence, I would
be forward as well for the salutary discipline of the offender as
highest weal of the state, to visit him with a due measure of
punishment. But it behooves the court to see that the charge is
proved.

" In the present case, even although the testimony of the prin
cipal witness were thrown out, which, howbeit, cannot be done,
he standing unimpeached before us, yet there remains sufficient
from the testimony of the second, the truth of which is not denied
by the prisoner, to convince us that something light and trivial has
been uttered reflecting, upon the godly Mr. Cotton, whose edifying
discourses were degraded beneath|the value of a song. _ This is

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 35

in a manner to impeach the sanctity of religion, by making light
of the character of her ministers. As for what the prisoner said
touching the magistrates, I trust that it is true, and am disposed
to connect no evil intent therewith. My judgment is to pro
nounce him guilty of using indecorous language respecting a
minister of the gospel, and to condemn him therefor in a light
fine, to help replenish our lean treasury."

" Did not the right worshipful Governor remark the profane
exclamation of the prisoner even in this presence?" inquired
Spikeman.

" None, Master Spikeman," answered Winthrop. " I did indeed
observe that the prisoner, in one instance, -commenced what I
supposed was the word £ accursed,' but checked himself in mid
utterance as if sensible that it was unmeet to be spoken, which
rather savors of respect than of the contrary."

But the Assistant shook his head. " I have seldom seen," he
said, " a more stiff-necked and perverse offender, and one more
deserving of many stripes."

Hereupon followed a discussion of some length, which termi
nated favorably to the opinions of the Deputy Governor and
of the Assistant Spikeman, and it was finally agreed that Joy
should be found guilty, generally, and condemned to be confined
for the space of one month, in irons, to a fine of £5, and to
banishment from the colony. This result was not attained
without strong resistance from Winthrop, who strove to mitigate
the punishment to a fine, and from Endicott, who endeavored to
obtain remission of the banishment ; but in vain — the vehemence'
of Dudley, and the insinuations of Spikeman, overbore all op
position.

Upon the conclusion being arrived at, Joy was placed again
before the Governor, who, with a grieved look, pronounced sen
tence, and immediately dismissed the Court.

[[CHAPTER II.

A gentle knight was pricking on the plainr.

SPENCER.

ON the morning of a fine day, a fortnight after the occur
rences above narrated, a horseman was riding over the neck, or
narrow strip of marshy ground, which connects the peninsula on
which Boston is situated with the main land. The rider was a
tall, handsome man, of apparently some thirty-five years of age,
who sat on his steed and handled the reins with a practiced
grace, as if the saddle and himself were familiar acquaintances.
Under a broad-brimmed, slouched hat, fell curls of dark hair,
down the sides of an oval though rather thin face, embrowned
by exposure to the weather. The nose was curved like the beak
of an eagle, the eyes bright and wild as those of the royal bird,
and a close beard curled over the face, including the upper lip,
the bold yet sweet expression of which it did not conceal.

The dress of the cavalier was in the fashion of the times,
though sobered down, either for the purpose of attracting less
attention, or out of deference to the customs of the people he
was among. A close fitting doublet or jerkin, of black velvet,
over which was thrown a light cloak of the same color, but of
different material, and a falling collar, shaped somewhat like
those in Vandyke's portraits, edged with a narrow peccadillo or
fringe of lace, ornamented the upper part ol' his person ; his
hands and wrists were protected by long gloves or gauntlets,
reaching half way up to the elbow, and opening wide at the top j

38 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

russet-colored boots expanded at the aperture and garnished
with spurs reached high up the legs, and a small cut and thrust
sword, suspended by a belt, which was also russet-colored, hung
at his side. The handle of the sword was exquisitely beautiful,
worthy of being the work of Cellini himself. It was mostly of
massive gold, the hilt smooth and shining, and the guard em
bossed with a variety of elegant devices. But the part which
first arrested attention and attracted the most admiration was the
head, whereupon was sculptured a gigantic honey-bee, with wings
expanded, as if about to fly from its perch ; the eyes were sparkling
diamonds, the body was composed of different colored metals, in
imitation of life — and the whole so cunningly wrought, that it
seemed a living bee about to mount into the air. The man rode
and looked as if not anticipating, and incapable of fearing, dan
ger, carelessly glancing round, while the noble animal he bestrode,
as if he had caught the spirit of his rider, stepped high and gal
lantly along. But in truth there was little or no danger, the
white settlers being, at the time, at peace with the neighboring
Indian tribes.

It was a mere bridle-path the horseman was following, which
wound about in various directions, in order to avoid marshy
ground, or trunks of trees, or other obstacles, and appeared to
be perfectly familiar to the horse, who trotted on without any
guidance from his rider. As for the latter, as if to beguile the
tediousness of the way, he would pat at one moment the neck of
his dumb companion, and address a few words to him, and at
the next, break out into snatches of song. Thus he proceeded
until he emerged from the woods, and an open space, the site of
the future city of Boston, one" the cornfields of warlike tribes,
mysteriously removed by pestilence, in order as to the excited
imaginations of the early settle -sit seemed, to make room for the
fugitives, lay spread before him.
. The rider stopped his horse, and for some moments sat in

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 39

silence gazing on the scene. From the eminence, to whose top
he had ridden, declined before him the sloping hills, on whose
sides open cultivated spaces were interspersed \\ih woo^s. On
the waters' dge, for the most part, were scattered the houses of
the coloni-ts, the majority of them rude huts, made of unhewn
lo^rs, with here and there a frame building, or a brick or stone
house of less humble pretensions, while beyond, rolled the spark
ling waves of the bay, sprinkled with " a great company of
islands, whose high cliffs shoulder out the boisterous seas," as the
old chronicler Wood expresses it, and rocking a few small ves
sels lying at anchor. He who viewed the region that morning,
must have had a brilliant imagination to dream of the magnifi
cent cities destined to stud those coasts, and of the millions to
fill those extensive forests within two hundred years. Westward,
indeed, the star of Empire had taken its way, and the wise men
of the East were following its heavenly guidance ; but who knew
it then ?

At last, excited by the view and his thoughts, the rider rose
in his stirrups, and stretching out his arms, gave expression, in a
low voice, to his feelings —

" Well may these men, who hope to found a new dynasty, be
proud of the lovely land which they have chosen for a refuge !
If iron resolution, scorn of delights and contempt of death could
do it, they would accomplish the emprise — mais Vhomme propose
et Dieu dispose. Without the directing mind and sustaining arm
of the source of all wisdom and power, in vain is the labor of
man. Ruin and disgrace shall overwhelm all undertakings not
founded on the Rock of Ages. With what great events teems
the bosom of futurity ? O, that my eyes could pierce the misty
distance ; that my dim presaging soul could behold the stately
advance of the corning centuries, whose sounding feet I fancy
that I can hear ! Bear they in their hands weal or woe to
humanity.? Hath the creative energy set a limit, beyond which

40 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the tide of human accomplishment, like the hidden power in
yonder heaving ocean, may not rise; but, having reached its des
tined apex, must, with hoarse murmurs, recoil back upon itself in
disordered fragments *? — or in these later times, when men were ripe
for the blessing, revealed to the world these virgin regions, sepa
rated from the vices of Europe and of the East by a mighty sea,
here to recommence that experiment which hath partially failed
elsewhere, and imparted sufficient measure of His spirit to chosen
instruments to work out the problem of human happiness, and to
conduct mankind to heights of felicity, beginning here and never
ending? — the bare contemplation whereof causes my flesh to quiver
with delight."^

As he uttered these words, forgetful of his situation, he stuck
the spurs into his horse's flanks, and the astonished animal
started with a bound. It was then the consummate address
wherewith the stranger sat, his horse specially exhibited itself.
As if the feeling of the startled steed were instantly communi
cated to himself, and one spirit animated both, his body bent
gently forward in the saddle, catching at once the motion, and
accommodating itself thereto, so that the rider appeared as
firmly fastened, and as much at his ease, as though he were a
part of the animal. After half a dozen plunges, and some
soothing words, the excited horse having expressed his displea
sure by snorts, frequent and loud at first, but gradually decreas
ing in rapidity and loudness, yielded to the strong arm of his
master, and reduced his pace to the long trot at which he had
before proceeded.

" My noble Mourad," said the rider, patting the steed's neck,
and addressing him as if capable of understanding language —
" I wonder not at thine astonishment ; but when these thoughts
possess me, I am oblivious of everything else. I will be more
heedful henceforth, nor allow splendid imaginations to prick
thine innocent sides."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 41

The flexible ears of Mourad moved backward and forward
while his rider was speaking, his dilated eyes glanced repeatedly
back at him, and he shook his head as if not half satisfied with
the apology.

And now the stranger, leisurely advancing, soon reached the
little collection of houses. Guiding his horse carefully through
the unpaved streets, and avoiding the stumps of trees which were
occasionally to be met, he stopped at a house of somewhat more
imposing appearance than the rest. It was of wood, like most
of the other dwellings, and differed from them principally in
being larger. It could not be said to belong to any order or style
of architecture, but bore a general resemblance to buildings erected
in England at the time. It stood with its gable-ends, three in
number, to the street, the roof rising up steeply, and making a
considerable garret, the side of the gable-ends projecting over
the second story, as did also that over the first. The windows
were of a square form, with small diamond-shaped panes, open
ing by hinges at the sides, and there was but one entrance in
front, to protect which a small verandah or porch was thrown
across the building. Two men, in the ordinary dress and equip
ments of soldiers of the period, their clumsy muskets leaning
against the side, were seated on a bench near the entrance, and
by their presence indicated the residence of Governor Winthrop.

*' Is the right worshipful Governor at home so that he may be
seen ?" inquired the stranger, as he dismounted from the horse,
whose bridle was held by one of the soldiers.

" He is at home, and may be seen, Sir Christopher," replied
one of the men. " I will conduct you to his presence."

So saying, the soldier opened the door, and preceding the
visitor, ushered him into a hall some ten feet wide, and thence
into a small ante-room, or room of reception, where he was
entreated to be seated, while his arrival should be announced.

It required but a moment, which was the whole time of the sol-

2*

42 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

dier's absence, for the stranger to take a survey of the room
wherein he sat.

It was not more than twelve or fifteen feet square, and destitute
of paper or hangings, and the floor, like that of the hall, was
bare, and made of coarsely-planed boards, it had two doors,
one opening into the hall and another into an adjoining room,
and was lighted by a single window. Its furniture consisted of
only a few wooden chairs and benches.

" The right worshipful Governor directs me to invite you to
him," said the messenger, throwing open the second door above
mentioned.

The stranger rose, and crossing with a stately step the ante
chamber, followed the soldier into the adjoining apartment.

" Welcome, Sir Christopher," exclaimed the Governor, rising
from a desk, at which he had been writing, and advancing with
extended hand to his visitor, " I am honored in seeing you again
in my poor house."

"He may deem himself a minion of fortune," courteously re
plied the stranger addressed as Sir Christopher, grasping the
offered hand, " who either in this far wilderness or in the proud
streets of London, is privileged to exchange salutations of friend
ship with so worthy and every way accomplished a gentleman as
the honored chief magistrate of this colony."

" Alas ! I fear," rejoined Winthrop, taking a seat, after first
formally seating the other, " alas ! I fear that my shoulders are
too weak for so great a burden. Were it not for the prize of
the high calling set before me, and the sweet refreshment some
times breathed into me by the Spirit, I should faint beneath its
weight."

" We are commanded neither to faint nor to be weary of well
doing," said Sir Christopher, il with comfortable assurances that
as is our need, so shall our strength be. But, honored sir, I
much mistake the nobility of your mind, if you would be willing

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 43

to exchange your high place for a meaner lot. I thank G-od that
you are placed upon an eminence to be a tower of strength to
those who do well, and a terror to the evil."

" Better," replied Winthrop, " is the humble cottage than the
lordly structure whereunto your poetical and extravagant polite
ness hath likened me. Remember," he added, with a smile,
wherein there was some bitterness mingled with its melancholy,
for he had of late been annoyed by the rougher nature of Dudley,
and the jealousy of some of the Assistants, " altce turres cadunt
dam humiles casoe slant"

" Noble sir," said Sir Christopher, " be not cast down. The
foundations of your house are built upon a basis too broad and
firm to be blown down by the disorderly breaths of lackeys and
trencher-scrapers. Pardon me, if in my zeal I apply igno
minious terms to your enemies."

" There be those to be ranked in that category who yet in no
wise deserve such epithets," answered the generous Governor.
" Were opposition to come only from so base a quarter, little
should I heed, and rather consider it an incitement to keener
action ; but there are also choice spirits, elect vessels, pillars of
the congregation, men inspired with godly zeal, who are per
suaded themselves, and would persuade others, that I am luke
warm in the cause, and bsar the sword in vain."

" If the peevish captiousness of these persons is greatly to
influence, I will not say over-awe you, noble sir," said Sir Chris
topher, " I tremble lest the errand of mercy whereon I come
should fail of its purpose."

" Ever true to the principle of the Me/U<7cra," said the Gov
ernor, smiling " what can the Knight of the Golden Melice crave
which John Winthrop can deny I"

The Knight of the Golden Mehiaaa, or Melice, as he was
commonly called, meaning thereby the Knight of the Golden
Honey-Bee, and who, by wearing conspicuously about his person

44 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the device or badge adopted when he received the order of knight
hood, only complied with the fantastic notions of the times,
gazed a moment at the figure of the bee on the handle of his
sword, before replying :

" The golden bee does indeed remind me," he said, " that even
as he, in the summer of his days, collects the yellow treasure
which is to sustain him in the death of winter, so should I, while
the day is mine, be busy to perform the will of Him who hath
called me to a post in his creation, that I be not ashamed in the
grave. I came to ask a favor in behalf of the soldier Philip Joy."

The eyes of Winthrop, which, while the knight was speaking,
had been fastened on his face, fell upon the rich Turkey carpet
that, with its intricate figures and varied dies, covered, in place
of a modern cloth, the table supporting the desk whereat he had
been writing.

" The soldier," he said, at last, slowly, " is enduring the punish
ment awarded to him by the Court of Assistants."

"A harsh and cruel sentence," said the knight, "and one at
the infliction whereof I know your noble nature relucted."

" I may not, without censure of my own conscience, hear those
who are associated with me in the government blamed."

" I would not trespass on the bounds of courteous license, but
cannot believe that your gentle temper approves of proceedings
at once severe and impolitic."

" It becomes me not," said Winthrop, modestly, " to set up my
sentiments against the opinion of a majority. This is not the
government of one man, and I am, as I may say, it being properly
understood, only primus inter pares"

" Then avouch yourself to some purpose to be truly primus,
and by your kingly mercy not only put to silence the unruly
tongues of men complaining of harshness not without reason, but
also take away the occasion for reproach."

" Hitherto," said Winthrop, " you have spoken in riddles,

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 45

though they are not hard to be guessed ; but, nevertheless, let
me entreat you to explicate, in plainer phrase, your meaning,
and reveal your full desire.'*

" I came, then," answered the knight, " to solicit the full par
don of Joy."

" It may not be. Though the right to pardon would seem in
herent in him to whose hands is entrusted the power to punish,
that the sorrow of inflicting pain might be balanced by the joy
of conferring pleasure, and so his omee be not wholly converted
into that of an executioner, yet were I ever so much disposed, I
could not, in the present case, grant your request. It would raise
a storm which, however little to be regarded for its consequences
to myself, might be seriously injurious to the budding interests of
our infant state."

" I pray you to consider," said the knight, " the good character
of the man accused, ever approving himself brave and faithful in
all trusts confided to him ; no drone, but an active honey-bee,
laying up store in your hive, with no fault charged but speaking
too freely, and if that be true, only imitating therein his betters.
Next reflect upon the opposite reputation of his accusers, and I
venture to say maligners, though in truth there is but one, not
sustained by the other. Men are murmuring at your sentence,
and holding your justice for naught, a sure presage of troublous
times; and be assured, that a commonwealth not founded in
righteousness cannot stand, for on it rests not the blessing of
Heaven."

" Sir Christopher Gardiner," said Winthrop, "you have spoken
boldly, and but that I believe in your honesty, and am assured
of your friendship, I should be offended. But you belong not to
the congregation, your notions differing from our faith ; the light
which illuminates the minds of the chosen remnant which Pro
vidence hath planted in this far off land, this ultissima Thule,
not yet having penetrated your understanding. Your freedom

46 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

of speech, therefore, because in favor of mercy, shall not preju
dice, though it might injure you were it to reach the ears of some
of whom we wot. But know, Sir Christopher, that your zeal
makes you unjust, and that you have defamed a Godfearing
Commonwealth, and one in covenant with God. Not without
His guidance did we trust ourselves to a raging sea, calmed for
our sake by His breath ; and not without His inspiration are we
building up a State, after His own divine model, which shall be
the admiration of the world. The kings of the earth may rise
up, and the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing;
but know, Sir Christopher, that the gates of hell shall not pre
vail against us."

As the usually calm Winthrop concluded his prophecy, he
smote the table with his hand, as if to give emphasis to his
words.

" My wise, and prudent, and most valued friend," said Sir
Christopher, rising and approaching the Governor, ''pardon me,
if with sacrilegious, though unwitting hand, I have touched the
sacred ark of your faith. But I were meaner than a stock or a
stone; I were duller than an insensible clod; I were worse than
an idolati-ous heathen or a beast, if I were unwilling to
encounter any danger, even to the hazard of losing your friend
ship, for the sake of a man, who, at the risk of his own life,
saved mine."

" I heard not of your debt before," said Winthrop.

" It was in Moldavia, on the bloody field of Choczim, where
the Poles defeated the Turks. I was then but a stripling, and
the impetuosity of youth, or the fiery temper of my horse, had
borne me in advance of my friends, when I was surrounded by
the infidels and hard bested, and my life beyond peradventure had
paid the penalty of my rashness, and my bones been left cleaned
by the wolfs teeth to whiten on the sand, but for this valiant
soldier. Disregarding danger, he leaped among the foe, and so

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 47

lustily plied his blows, that together we bore the turbans down,
until his bridle-hand was struck. Then was it time to fall back,
for verily we had need of both hands, with the one to guide our
horses, and with the other to defend our heads. I seized his
rein, and with our flashing swords, side by side, we fought our
way through the throng. Judge, then, if I were not an ingrate
to forget the service."

" It is a pity, for the sake of the prisoner," said Winthrop,
" that either Standish or Endicott is not in my place : a tale of
daring were sure to win their ears, and upon its recital, the cause
were as good as gained ; but much as I admire the valor of the
soldier and respect your feelings, I, who was bred a lawyer, and
not a warrior, see not therein a motive to grant your request."

" If friendship for me, and personal merit in the man, avail
not to move you, at least listen to the voice of humanity. You
intend not surely to murder him."

u What *?" exclaimed Winthrop. " Speak plainer, Sir Chris
topher."

" I say, honored sir, that the treatment of this Joy, for an
offence which can rank as a crime only by reason of some
peculiarity in your situation, justifying extraordinary severity,
is unworthy of you as the Vicegerent of his Majesty in this
colony.

" Methinks," said Winthrop, coldly and formally, " you have
already, in other phrase, said the same thing."

" But I aver now that this hapless, and, but for me, unfriended
man, (alas that my influence in his behalf is less than nought,)
is likely to escape the greater part of his sentence, by perishing
on your hands, if not soon released from confinement."

" Is he ill ?"

" 111 unto death. I fear. Surely you cannot be acquainted
with the cruelties practised upon him. I have not beholden them
with mine own eyes ; but my knowledge is this — as soon as I

43 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

heard of Philip's misfortune, in whom, why I feel an interest
you now know, I hastened to his prison, and there, with some
difficulty learned, that not only is he manacled, and his ancles
chained, but also is confined by a band of iron around his body,
to a post erected in the centre of his dungeon, so as to be unable
to lie down, under a pretext of the desperation of the man and
the weakness of his dungeon."

" Believe me, Sir Christopher, I knew not this ; but the thing
shall be looked into, and if there be no error in your information,
I will venture to brave the resentment of my colleagues and the
rest, and release this Joy for the present, taking such order in
other respects that the remaining sentence of the Court shall not
remain a nullity."

" I pray you, excellent sir, of your bounty, to be speedy in
the inquiry into this matter," urged the knight, " being well
assured that you will find my information verified."

'• Rest satisfied with my peremptory promise," replied Win-
throp. "And now, Sir Christopher, that this business which
you have so much at heart is in a fair train to arrive at a result
to content you, tell me something of your doings at the Mount
of Promise, as it is your pleasure to call your retirement. How
fares it with your kinswoman, the lady Geraldine? Time, I
trust, doth blunt the edge of her melancholy."

" Alas, no ! she still continues to grieve with an unreasonable
grief. Time, brings no balm."

" It should not be so. The sooner we become reconciled to
the afflictive dispensations of Providence (under which I
understand she suffers,) the better for both soul's and body's
health."

" There are some natures, whereupon, when an impression is
once made, it is not readily effaced, and the lady G-eraldine's is
such. Yet do I not despair of her restoration to tranquillity."

" I must request godly Mr. Eliot to visit her. There is no

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 49

soother so effectual as the soft voice of the Gospel. But for
yourself, Sir Christopher, tire you not of the monotony of your
forest life?"

" So far therefrom, I love it hourly more. My early days
were wild and stormy, of some particulars whereof I have pos
sessed you ; and although I have not reached my meridian, yet
am I satiated with vanity. I am like a ship, whose tempest-
beaten sides rest sweetly in a haven. As contentedly she hears
the winds howling without, so I listen from afar to the uproar of
the world, and pleased, contrast my calm therewith."

" Man was not made for inaction," said Winthrop.

" I shun no honorable labor. Instruct me how to be useful to
the little State which enjoys the happiness to call you father and
ruler, and no toil or danger but shall be welcome."

" You know there is but one difficulty that stands in your way
to occupy the position due to both your rank and merit."

A shadow passed over the face of the knight.

" We will not speak thereof," he said. " When I offered to join
the congregation, who would have thought that so trifling a dif
ference could close your bosoms against me?"

" Call not the difference slight, nor our bosoms closed,"
answered Winthrop ; " but I trust that further reflection, your
spirit being lighted by beams of grace, will convince you that in
our exposition we erred not."

At this moment a slight rustling was heard at the other end of
the apartment, and the knight turning, beheld a man having the
appearance of a servant advancing.

"How now, sirrah," cried Winthrop, "what means this in
trusion ?"

" I thought I heard the Governor call," said the man.

" I called not," said Winthrop ; " but being here, bring re
freshments. His presence opportunely reminds me," he added,
turning to the knight, " of my breach of hospitality, occasioned
by my interest in the conversation."

50 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

In a short time the servant returned bearing a silver salver, on
which were placed wine and a venison pasty, (for the robuster ap
petites of our ancestors vv ui 1 have scorned more delicate viand-,)
which he placed on a sideboard.

Before the knight addressed himself to the pasty, which he
soon did, with an appetite sharpened by his morning ride, he
filled two goblets with wine, and presenting one to his host,
begged to pledge him in a health to the prosperity of the infant
Commonwealth.

" The building up of our Zion lies nearest my heart, and un
ceasingly do my prayers ascend on her behalf," answered Win-
throp; "but — think me not discourteous — I may not, without
sin, comply with your request in the drinking of healths."

" How !" exclaimed the knight, " is there any forbidding
thereof in -Holy Scripture?"

" Nay, I find no interdiction therein, but manifold cause in
the reason of the thing itself for the suppressing of a vain custom.
Thus do I argue : Every empty and ineffectual representation of
serious things is a way of vanity. But this custom is such ; for
it is intended to hold forth love and wishes of health, which are
serious things, by drinking, which neither in the nature nor use
it is able to effect, for it is looked at as a mere compliment,
and is not taken as an argument of love, which ought to be un
feigned. Or the same proposition may be proved diversely, as
thus: To employ the custom, out of its natural use, without war
rant of authority, necessity or conveniency, is a way of vanity.
But this custom doth. Or, again ; such a resolution as frees a
man from frequent and needless temptations, to dissemble love,
et cv?tera,»(quateims it doth so.) is a wholesome resolution. But
this resolution doth. Ergo, Sir Christopher, pray have me
(with protestation of no discourtesy) excused."

<; Although your scruples appear strange, yet will I respect
them, my honored host, as it becomes me to, any opinion enter-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 51

tained by you," replied the knight; "but if the tongue be tied,
the spirit, at leant, is free to indulge in wishes for your welfare."

So saying, he raised the goblet to his lips, and drained it of its
contents. Nor did the Governor, though refusing to join in the
idle custom of drinking healths, which, by his influence, had been
pretty generally banished from the tables of the principal inhabi
tants, decline a draught, therein bearing in mind the advice of
Paul to Timothy, and considering it an allowable solace and
strengthener to enable him the better to bear the cares of state.
Upon the conclusion of the interview, the knight courteously
took leave, after thanking the Governor for his promise in behalt
of the imprisoned soldier, and, mounting his horse, returned the
way he came.

When he was gone, Winthrop fell into a fit of musing.

" What am I to think of this man ?" (such was the tenor of his
reflections.) " Is he what he appears? Doth the garniture of his
spirit conform to the polished and attractive surface ? Is he, as
sometimes from his language might be surmised, one who, though
young in years, is old in experience, and hath already discovered
how unsatisfactory are the vanities of the world? There be
such men in these strange days. And yet, how wonderfully hath
he preserved his cheerfulness, and though chastened, is not cast
down ! That he hath been a cavalier, I plainly see, and he doth
admit; that he is fit at present to be one of us, I doubt ; that he
will be, I hope. The jealous Dudley, the suspicious Endicott,
and the subtle Spikeman, are disposed to regard him as one who,
under the mask of an angel of light, doth conceal dangerous de
signs ; as a plotter of mischief ; some cunning tool of our enemies,
who have sent him hither to creep into our confidence, that he
may the better detect our weakness and confound our plans. I
cannot harbor these latter notions. There is that about the knight
which gives the lie to suspicion. Who can look upon his noble
countenance and listen to the tones of his sincere voice, and not

52 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

be satisfied of his truth ? Did he not, on his arrival, com
municate to me his views, which, however romantic, are con
sistent both with the training of his previous life and the change
which hath been effected in his feelings ? And doubtful myself,
lest the gracious impression he made upon me might pervert my
judgment, did I not set a watch upon his motions, and find them
all to harmonize with his frank and gallant bearing I I see no
cause to alter my conduct or withdraw my confidence. Yet will
I be guarded in our intercourse. If I err, it shall be on the side
of prudence ; but this matter whereunto he hath called my atten
tion, shall forthwith be searched. It were shame if the cruelty
whereof he complains has been practised. Ah me, the eye of
the ruler cannot be everywhere ! There be those who already
term our justice tyranny, and who would be glad to be furnished
with another occasion of complaint. Nor can I conceal from
myself that the sentence of the soldier is harsh. It was against
both my feeling and rny judgment. How often am I compelled
to practise a severity over which my softer, and perhaps weaker
nature, mourns!"

CHAPTER in.

" I am sorry one so learned and so wise,
As you, Lord Angelo, have still appeared,
Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood
And lack of tempered judgment afterward.'*

MEASURE FOR MEASURE.

EARLY in the afternoon of the same day, a man whom we re
cognize as the servant we saw at the Governor's house, entered a
building which stood not far from the margin of the bay. It
belonged to the Assistant Spikeman, and it was he whom the
man sought. The Assistant was found sitting before his ledger,
whose pages were open, and surrounded by the articles of his
traffic, for he was a merchant, largely engaged in the purchase and
sale of the products of the country, from which he had drawn
substantial gains. Quintals of dried fish were piled up in one
part of the store-room, in another, bundles of furs procured from
the Indians, in a third, casks and barrels containing spirituous
liquors, and elsewhere were stored cloths of various descriptions,
and hardware, and staves and hoops, and, in short, almost every
thing necessary to prosecute a trade between the old country and
the new.

The Assistant raised his head at the noise made by the
entrance of the man, and passing his fingers through the short,
thick red hair that garnished his head, demanded, " What new
thing bringest thou, Ephraiml"

" There has been," answered the man, " him whom they call
the Knight of the Golden Melice, though I know not what it

54: THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

means, with the Governor this morning, and according to your
wishes, I have come to acquaint you therewith."

" Thou hast well done, and thy zeal in the service of the Com
monwealth and of the congregation merits and shall have reward.
What passages passed between them ?"

" I heard only part of the conversation, but enough to make
me believe that the Governor, at the prayer of the strange knight,
means to release the soldier Philip Joy."

" Veri'y !" exclaimed Spikeman. " Art sure you heard aright?
Rehearse to me what was said."

The spy employed by the Assistant to be a watch upon the
conduct of Winthrop, here went into a detail of his discoveries,
to all which the other listened with fixed attention.

When the man had concluded his narration, which was inter
larded with protestations of pious zeal, the Assistant said :

" I do commend thee greatly, Ephraim, for thy sagacity, and
the promptitude wherewith thou hast made me acquainted with
these matters. Not that thou or I have any more interest in
this thing than other godly men who have fled from the per
secution of the priests of Baal, to worship the God of our fathers
in the wilderness according to the promptings of our own con
science, but it doth become every one to keep his lamp trimmed
and burning, and to watch, lest the lion leap into the fold. I
misdoubt me much, that this same Sir Christopher Gardiner, as
he calls himself, or this Knight of the Golden Melice, as- some
have it, meaning thereby, doubtless, malice, is no better than
some emissary of Satan, unto which opinion his interposing for
this blaspheming Joy doth strongly incline me. Therefore, good
Ephraim, keep thou thine eyes upon him, and shouldest thou be
the instrument elected by Providence to bring his wicked devices
to light, great will be thy praise and reward."

Having thus spoken, Spikeman \vaved his hand and turned

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 55

away, to intimate that the conference was at an end, but the
man remained standing.

" Wherefore do you delay? You may retire," said Spikeman.
" I bethink me that but a little time remains for preparation for
the afternoon lecture."

" Is not the laborer worthy of his hire1?" inquired Ephraim.
" Shall they who work in the Lord's vineyard receive no
wage f '

" My mind ran not on the perishable riches of this world,"
answered the Assistant, pulling out, with a very ill grace, a well
filled leathern purse, and taking from it a silver piece, which he
offered to the servant, but the fellow had caught sight of gold,
and was not so easily to be satisfied.

"Is thy servant a dog?" he demanded. "The princely
Governor would give me gold for information of less value."

" Take two," replied Spikeman, holding out another, " and be
content. Reflect that you are one of the congregation, and have
an equal part in this inheritance with myself."

" I think not," said Ephraim, looking around the well-filled
store-house. " Is that a proper wage, your worship," he added,
glancing disdainfully at the money, " to offer one, who, on your
account, risks the slitting of his nose, and cutting off of his ears ?
Wake the white yellow and it will not be too much."

" Would that I had the treasures of Ophir for thy sake," ex
claimed Spikeman ; " but I am a ruined man if thou require so
much, Ephraim Pike. But there, take the Carolus, and let it be
an incentive to godly action."

Ephraim received the gold piece, and his features relaxed into
something like a smile.

" Truly," said he, " did David, the man after God's heart,
speak by inspiration when he declared — " Never saw I the right
eous forsaken, or his seed begging bread."

Spikeman made no reply, and the man having attained his

56 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

object, and observing the other's desire to be rid of him, with
drew.

The countenance of the Assistant expressed chagrin and dis
pleasure as he looked after the retiring form of the serving-man ;
but presently he buried his face in his hands, leaning his elbows
on the tall writing-table that stood before him. In this attitude
he remained some little time, and when he removed them, the
expression of his face was changed, arid his mind evidently filled
with other thoughts. The look of vexation had been succeeded
by one it is difficult to describe — a kind of smile played around
his lips, his eyes sparkled, his color was heightened, and a slight
moisture exuded from the corners of his mouth — he was ugljer
and more repulsive than before. He bent over, and on a piece
of paper which lay before him, wrote with a hand that trembled
a little — " How fair and how pleasant art thou O love, for de
lights." This sentence he scrawled several times, and then tak
ing up the piece of paper, he tore it into small fragments, and
scattered them on the floor, after which, composing his face into
an austere seeming, he placed his high steeple-crowned hat on
his head, and, leaving the building, proceeded in the direction of
his dwelling-house. As he advanced leisurely along, he soon
heard the sound of a drum beaten through the streets, to sum
mon the people to one of those weekly lectures, in which spirit
ual instruction was not unfrequently leavened with worldly
wisdom and directions for political conduct.

Meetings for religious lectures, on week days, were exceed
ingly common, and held in high favor ; indeed, so attractive
were they, that in the language of an old historian, an actor on
the spot — " Many poor persons would usually resort to two or
three in the week, to the great neglect of their affairs and the
damage of the public." To these, the people were summoned
by beat of drum, the martial roll of which instrument called
them also to muster for defence, upon a hostile alarm, a different

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 57

tattoo being adopted for the latter purpose. An attempt was at one
time made by the magistrates to diminish the frequency of these
meetings, as a serious inroad upon the industry of the colony;
but the effort was resisted, and that successfully, by the elders,
" alleging their tenderness of the church's liberty, as if such a
precedent might enthrall them to the civil power, and as if it
would cast a blemish upon the elders, which would remain to
posterity ; that they should need to be regulated by the civil
magistrate, and also raise an ill savor of the people's coldness,
that would complain of much preaching, &c., whereas liberty
for the ordinances was the main end professed of our coming
hither." They were social beings, and loved stimulus like the
rest of mankind, and had no public amusements. These causes
are sufficient to account for the fondness for the weekly lecture ;
but if to them be superadded the peculiarity of their civil and
religious polity, which inculcated an extraordinary affection for
each other as God's chosen people destined to communion, not
here only, but forever ; and the isolation of their situation, cut
ting them off from participation in the stirring events to which
they had been accustomed, we should wonder if they had not
met frequently together. The elders, jealous of their influence,
showed in this instance, as they did in others, a knowledge of
human nature, superior to that of the magistrates, and the latter
were glad to retreat from the position they had taken, " lest the
people should break their bonds through abuse of liberty," if the
wholesome restraint exerted by the elders, by means of the lec
tures, in order to retain the people in subjection to the civil
power, should be withdrawn.

As the Assistant walked on, he began to meet persons coming out
of their houses, m obedience to the invitation. There was the
staid citizen, whose sobriety bordered on sternness, with hair closely
cropped to avoid the " unloveliness of love-locks," covered with a
large napped peaked hat, and arrayed in broad white band and

3

68 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

sad-colored garments, on whose arm leaned his wife, or walked
independently at his side, bearing on her head a hat of similar
shape to her husband's, or else having it protected with hood,
or cap, or coif; a white vandyke neckerchief falling over the
shoulders, and rising high in the neck ; long-waisted bodice of
velvet or silk, open in front, and laced down to a point, on
which was placed a rosette, with voluminous fardingale of like
material, gathered up in folds behind, and supplying, though with
more modesty and less bad taste, the place of the more modern
" bishop," now happily banished these regions. Behind came
the sons and daughters, attired like their parents, and imitating
them in gravity of demeanor. There were also some indented
apprentices and serving men and serving women, whom either
the zeal of their masters and mistresses required, or their own
tastes or ideas of duty induced to be present, while here and
there, at the corners of the streets, might be seen an occasional
Indian, with bow in hand, listening with admiration to the
marvellous music of the blood-stirring instrument, and gazing
with feelings compounded of fear and envy at the strange people
gathering together to a talk with the Great Spirit.

The Assistant Spikeman, as he passed the wayfarers, returned
their demure salutations with solemn dignity, as became one in
high station, and in whose ears was sounding a call to a meeting
of the congregation. Thus exchanging greetings, he proceeded to
his house, where, entering the room used by the family as a sitting
apartment, he hung up his hat and took a seat. But his agitation
did not permit him to remain still, and almost immediately
he arose and began to pace the floor. Hearing presently
advancing footsteps, he dropped into a chair, and leaning back
and shutting his eyes, assumed an expression of pain and las
situde. In a moment the door of the room was opened, and a
comely woman of middle age entered, dressed for the " meeting."
" Dear heart," she exclaimed, " here have Eveline and I been

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 59

waiting for thee this quarter of an hour. You must not, if you
are so late, complain of me hereafter, when the lacet of my
bodice troubles me, or the plaits of my hair refuse to keep their
place, and so I delay thee unreasonably, as thou sayest, though
it is all to honor thee ; for would it not be unbeseeming for the
help-meet of a worshipful Assistant to appear like a common
mechanic's wife? But art thou ill ?" she added, observing his
air of dejection, and instantly changing the tone that had in it
something of reproach into one of anxiety ; " then will I remain
at home to comfort thee."

" No, dame," said her husband, " there is no cause to detain
thee from the sanctuary. The godly Mr. Cotton holds forth to
day, and it would be a sinful neglect of privileges. I feel not
well myself, and must, therefore, for thy sake, as well as my own,
deny myself the refreshment of the good man's counsel. Thou
shalt go, to edify me on thy return with what thou mayest
remember of his discourse."

But the kind heart of dame Spikeman was not so easily to be
diverted from its purpose, and she persisted, with some pertinacity,
in a determination to remain, until her husband laid his com
mands upon her to attend the lecture.

u I will obey," she then said, u sithence it is thy wish ; and is
it not written, Adam was first made, and then Eve ; and I will
pray for thee, dear heart, in the congregation, that He will keep
thee in all thy ways, nor let the enemy approach to harm or to
tempt thee."

Spikeman winced, and perhaps his conscience pricked him at
the moment, but he betrayed no confusion as he replied :

" I thank thee, sweet duck, and may the Lord recompense
thy love a thousand fold. But hasten, now, for it would ill-
become the wife of my bosom to lag in attendance on the lecture.
Meanwhile, I will meditate on the holy volume, and comfort
myself as a Christian man may."

60 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

Dame Sptkeman's ample fardingale swept the sides of the door
way as she turned to take a last look at her husband over her
shoulder — ?t look that contained as much of suspicion as of affec
tion. He must be, indeed, a paragon of hypocrisy who can con
ceal himself from his wife, however dull she may be, and the
faculties of the dame were as sharp as those of most of her sex.

Presently she was heard calling, " Eveline ; why, Eveline,
art not ready yet ?" to which a sweet voice responded, " here
am I, dame," succeeded by the pattering of quick, light feet, and
a young woman, veiled, glided to her side, and they left the house
together, accompanied by a servant. Spikeman gazed after them
through the window, which, as belonging to a house of the better
class, was made of glass instead of oiled paper, which supplied
its place in the humbler tenements, till they were out of sight.
The drum had some time before ceased its sonorous rattle,
indicating thereby that the services had commenced, and the
streets were bare of the last loiterer. Spikeman then resumed
his seat, listening and glancing occasionally at the door, as if he
was expecting some one to enter. At last, as if tired of waiting,
he rose, and going to the door, called softly, " Prudence." No
answer was returned, and in tones a little raised he called again.
This time a voice replied, " I am coming, your worship," and the
Assistant returned to his seat. Perhaps five minutes longer
passed, and he was becoming more impatient, and had risen from
his chair, when a young woman in the dress of an upper do
mestic, or lady's maid, entered the room. She was apparently
twenty-three or twenty-four years of age, large and plump, and
glowing with health, and altogether of a most attractive ap
pearance. Her complexion was brilliant, brighter on account
of the contrast with the white tunic which fell over her peach-
blossom colored fustian skirt, and her eyes, which were cast
down when she came into the room, disclosed hazel pupils as she
raised them, and looked red, as if she had been weeping.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 61

" I have remained behind, according to thy deshe," said the
Assistant, advancing toward her, " for there is nothing I would
not do to pleasure thee, Prudence."

" I know not that I requested you to tarry," answered the girl,
" but an I remember right, you said you had some tidings of
Philip Joy which you did wish to communicate to my private
ear."

" Something have I to tell thee of the poor varlet," said Spike-
man ; " but first would I rather speak of one who doth interest
me more. But say, why is thy mind so careworn about this
soldier V '

" He is a friend of mine," said Prudence, blushing ; " that is,
we were neighbors, and acquainted in dear old England — a
cousin," she added, telling naturally a little fib, " and so I am
sorry to hear of his misfortune."

" I hope that you do not long after the flesh-pots of Egypt,"
said Spikeman, attempting to take her hand, which, however, she
coyishly withdrew. What have we to do with England or her
cramping ordinances, which we have turned our backs upon for
ever ? Was it not because of the yoke she sought to put upon
our necks that we abandoned her, here to enjoy a wider liberty ?
Believe me, beautiful Prudence, there are delights scattered all
over the world, if there be only boldness and wisdom to find
them ; nor is their enjoyment inconsistent with the joys promised
hereafter, whereof, indeed, they are the foretaste."

" O, sir," exclaimed the girl, " can you tell me anything about
Philip? Have you entreated the Governor, as you promised, to
let him out of that dreadful dungeon ?"

" It is a horrid place," said Spikeman, " and men live not long
who are confined therein. If the soldier be imprisoned there a
few days longer, he is no better than a dead man. Vain has
been my intercession, though I despair not."

He paused to watch the effect of what he had said upon the

62 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

girl. She turned deadly pale, and seemed about to sink upon the
floor. Spikeman took her hand, which she no longer withdrew,
but yielded passively, as if in a state of stupefaction, and pressing
it within his own, led her to a sofa.

"Lovely Prudence," he said, " thou hast found favor in my
eyes. Let not the distance betwixt us overawe thee. These
worldly distinctions are but the inventions of men to suit a pur
pose, and there are times when they are more easily torn away
than the withes of the Philistines on the hands of Samson.
Dost thou comprehend mef

Prudence raised her eyes, and fixed them with a bewildered
stare upon his face. She was so terrified at the thought of the
danger to which the soldier was exposed, and her mind so con
fused by the unusual language of her master, that she was as
much in a dreaming as a waking state. Pier lips quivered as
she attempted to reply, but they made no sound, and tears
began to steal down.

" Would that I could stop the current of these tears, more
precious than orient pearls," sighed Spikeman. "Ask of me
any other favor, and I will move heaven and earth but it shall
be granted."

" O, sir, said Prudence," sliding off from the sofa in spite of
his efforts to prevent her, and kneeling at his feet, " I have -no
other favor to ask ; but if you are truly willing to show kindness
to a poor girl like me, take Philip out of prison."

"But is it so light a thing to be done, sweet Prudence ?"
replied Spikeman, raising her in his arms, and straining her to
his bosom before he replaced her on the sofa. " Nay, kneel not
again," he added, seeing that she was about to resume her
attitude of supplication ; " that were a posture as fitting for me
as for thee."

" O, sir," cried poor" Prudence, " you are a great man, and
can do whatever you please. If you speak to the Governor

THE KNIGHT OF THB GOLDEN MELICB. 63

again, he will let Philip out. I am sure he meant nothing
wrong. I am certain they told wicked lies about him."

" Truly will I remonstrate again," said Spikeman. " So great
is my regard for thee, I will risk losing his favor for thy sake.
But for all the sacrifices I make, what shall be thy return to me *?"

" I will pray night and day for you ; I will be your slave ; I
will worship the ground on which you tread."

" Sweet maiden," said Spikeman, passing his arm around her
waist, " I ask not so much. I ask thee only to be happy with
me. Thy prayers, though rising like morning incense, I need
not. I would rather be thy slave than have thee mine, and I
worship thee already. Turn not away thy cheek, but let me
greet thee with the kiss of charity."

The girl averted not her glowing cheek, whereon, with these
words, he imprinted a passionate kiss, which he attempted to
repeat, but Prudence drew a little back, and removed his arm.
His lips burned like fire. She felt as if they had left behind a
mark to betray her, and she shuddered with aversion ; but she
believed the fate of the soldier to be in his hands, and dared not
to offend him. Besides, she was no delicate lady, but strong and
full of confidence, and feared no danger to herself. As she
marked his heightened color and kindling eyes, and he made
another attempt to salute her, she said, with half a disposition
to cry and half to laugh :

" Is not kissing and toying forbid by the elders and worshipful
magistrates'?"

" They are forbid to them outside of the congregation, and
who have no Christian liberty," answered Spikeman — " to them
who make a display of what should be concealed, to avoid the
scandal of the wicked ; but not to the elect and discreet, who
can use their liberty as not abusing it. Therefore, let me kiss
thee with the kisses of my mouth, for thy love is better than
wine. Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair,"

64: THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

he continued, pressing upon her ; " thou bast clove's eyes within
thy locks. Thy lips are like a thread cf scarlei,"

t: Hark !" cried Prudence, pu hig him baok, '' I hear a i
"I hear no sound," sai<] • i, .'iff or listening for a

moment, "save the voic A. O, speak, and say

unto me, 'rise up} my lo me away, for lo, the win;

past, the rain is over and gone, the time oT the f-li
is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.' ''

So saying, he caught her in his arms, and giving license to
his fiery passions, stamped repeated kisses upon her lips and
bosom, in spite of her struggles. But the sounds which the
quick ears of Prudence had detected became more and more dis
tinct, and persons on foot and on horseback were seen in the
street returning from the lecture. Without difficulty she broke
from the now yielding arms of Spikeman le to

compose her disordered hair and tunic,
dame at the door was heard demanding a

CHAPTER IV.

"Oh, give me liberty !
For were even Paradise my prison,
Still I should long to leap the crystal walls."

DRTDEN.

THE motives which animated Spikeman to play the part which
he did in the court that condemned the soldier, will now be better
understood. He had cast eyes of licentious desive upon the
blooming Prudence, who was, at the same time, beloved by
Philip, and was solicitous to remove him out of the way. Bold
in all his plans, neither honoring God nor fearing man, un
scrupulous in regard to the means to effect a purpose, and
esteeming the gratification of his evil wishes the highest happiness,
it was yet necessary to the achievement of his objects that a
specious outside at least should be preserved, and this he had
succeeded in doing up to the present time. In pursuance of his
cunning policy, he was unwilling that even Joy should, suspect
him of unfriendliness, and for that reason had, in the course of
the examination, excited the temporary vexation of Deputy
Governor Dudley, by an observation which, to the unsuspecting
Deputy, seemed indicative of a desire to screen Joy from punish
ment, and to Joy himself the interference of a frier d ; while, in
fact, it was intended to entrap the prisoner into n sh speeches,
which would be prejudicial to his cause. How effectually he
undeceived Dudley, after Joy had been removed, we have seen.

3*

66 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

The Assistant had attained his object. Philip was in the first
place to be imprisoned and fined, and afterwards banished, and
the field was henceforth to be left free to himself. With his
rival out of the way, he did not doubt of succeeding with the
girl by means of such arguments and temptations as it would be
in his power to employ. How he had begun by endeavoring to
use the very affection of Prudence for her lover to make her be
tray herself, has been told ; but thus far her simplicity and good
fortune had been quite a match for his craft. In the hope to
obtain some advantage for Philip, she had granted the Assistant
the interview which we have just witnessed, and wherein he
disclosed his character in a manner he had never done to her be
fore. She now understood his designs thoroughly, but the know
ledge was a secret which her fears suggested that she had better
lock up in her own heart. What chance would a poor unpro
tected girl have in a contest with the rich and powerful Assistant1?
Who would take her word in opposition to his ? Spikeman well
appreciated his advantage, and calculating with absolute cer
tainty upon her silence, was, in consequence, the more auda
cious.

When the spy of the Assistant found him at his store-house,
he was meditating upon the approaching interview with Pru
dence, the contemplation of which it unpleasantly interrupted.
The prospect of the soldier's liberation was exceeding disagreea
ble. It would interfere with, and perhaps defeat plans, which in
blind passion he hugged to his heart. But engrossed by his
unworthy madness, he could not then mature any scheme not
connected with its immediate gratification. Machinations for
the further accomplishment of his designs must be postponed for
a calmer moment. It came after the interruption occasioned by
the arrival of his wife, and soon his active brain had shaped his
ideas into definiteness.

Accordingly in the evening, as soon as it became so dark that

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 67

features were not readily distinguishable in the streets, the As
sistant took his .way to the prison in which the soldier was con
fined. It stood on the edge of the settlement, and was a low,
one-story building, strongly made of unhewn logs, within a few
feet of which was the dwelling of the jailer, but little differing
from it in exterior. In those days a very strong jail was not so
important as at present. If one had committed a crime so
heinous that he was unfit to live, he was forthwith put beyond
the power of doing mischief; but if the offence were of a less
atrocious character, modes of punishment were usually resorted
to which did not involve the necessity of supporting him at pub
lic charge — such, for instance, as whipping, cutting off the ears,
slitting the nose, and like improvements of the human form di
vine. If through defect of the prison, or from any other cause,
the offender escaped, it was pretty certain that he would not
make his appearance in a hurry, lest some worse thing might
befall him, and so there was one malcontent the less, and one
disturber of the peace gone, even though the ends of punishment
were not perfectly attained.

Spikeman, on reaching the house of the jailer, was about to
knock at the door, when his attention was arrested by sounds
which made him pause. The weather being warm, the window
was open, and he was able to hear distinctly what was said
within. Motives of delicacy or honor weighed not much in the
mind of a man like him, and he scrupled not to appropriate any
advantage to be derived from eaves-dropping.

" What made you, Sam Bars, take all the ornaments off
Philip but the bracelets, without saying anything to me T' in
quired a voice, which Spikeman recognized as belonging to the
jailer's wife.

"Why, Margery, to confess, I forgot to tell you," answered
her husband ; " but," added he, laughing, " I had no fear on thy
account, for thou art a match for a man any day."

68 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN" MELTCE.

.- Philip ru'oi.inir liv
I pitied him, for lie i~ a prope • you 112 man."

"Oh! £ooi-l v, the '.-ounp: men. I

warrant, TUC now if it had boon a ^, •; wolf like me, you

woul.I not have thought so much of his ankles."

" Say not so, Sam," replied the woman, affectionately, " nor
liken thyself to a wolf. O, how they used to howl every night
when we first came to this wilderness ; but the Lord protected his
people. I dare say now, it was thy kind heart made thoe take
off the irons."

" That it was not, wife. They were put en by order of one
I am bound to obey ; nor chu: I take them off but by command
of a higher authority."

" Why do yo'i >u were giving me riddles to

guess ? Am I not boiu

"A big heap of bones we make together,''' muttered Sam, glanc
ing at the large frame of his wife, not much excelled by his own,
"but she's a good soul, amiss only in her tongue at whiles;
howbeit, saith not Paul, it is. an unruly member? Well, Mar
gery, an tliou must know, it was by order of the Governor's
own mouth to me they were taken off, and what is more, I am
to let Philip go free in the morning."

" Bless his sweet face," cried the woman, " I always said the
worshipful Governor was the sweetest and virtuousest and ex-
cellentest man in the whole country."

" There be them among the elders and magistrates who be of
a different opinion. Beshrew me ! (may the Lord forgive me,"
he added, looking round in alarm. " I hope no one hears me,)
but, according to my thinking, it is only because Master Win-
throp asks for no pay, and spends so much ouo of his own purse
for other folk, that they .choose him. Governor."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 69

a What can anybody have against so sweet-tempered and
liberal a. sjentlemttn ?" inquired Margery.

"Well, then, the elders complain that he is not so zealous,
even unto playing, as becomes a leader of the Lord's host, which
he is, like Moses and Joshua; and some of the deputies pretend
that he takes too much state on him, and means to make him
self a king, or least-wise, a lord."

" And I trow, good man, I know no reason why, when the
Commonwealth, as they call it, gets big enough, we should not
have a king as well as the folk on the other side of the water.
It was always a pleasure to see his Majesty in the streets of
London, with the grand lords and ladies all in their silks and
satins, and jewels and feathers. It will be long, I am afraid,"
sighed the good woman, " before we shall see such fine sights in
these woods."

" Hush, goody," said Sam, " take care your tongue do not
get you into trouble. Speak lower, an you will talk about things
you know nothing about. You love kings and lords better than
some folk." he concluded, with a laugh.

" Take care of your own tongue, Sam Bars ; I warrant you
mine will take care of itself. But wherefore should I not love
the king ? Is it not written — touch not mine anointed, and do
my prophets no harm ? And I will let you know, Sam Bars?
that I will say what I please about him, God bless him ! Marry,
come up, a fine time of day truly, if a woman may not speak
her mind ! I should like to see the man or woman either, for
sooth, to stop me. My tongue and ten commandments (stretch
ing out her fingers) know how to take care of one another, I can
tell you. My tongue get me into trouble ! O, Sain, why do you
aggravate me so? Me, the quietest and pcaceablest and silentest
wife in the world ! Why dost not speak ? Art as dumb as the
bench your heavy carcass almost breaks down 1 Speak, I say,
Sam, speak, or I shall go crazy."

70 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

But her husband, whom long experience had taught the best
mode of weathering such storms, only shook his head in silence,
until the good woman, after a variety of ejaculations and ex
pletives, finding that she made no more impression on him than
children's pop-guns on a sand-bank, concluded to cool down,
when she asked what the Governor said to him.

Sam, glad that the current had taken another direction,
answered readily " a mountain of questions about Philip. And
he wanted to know why I put so many irons on him — how he
found it out, the Lord only knows, unless" — here Bars sunk his
voice, so that the words were inaudible to the listener, and^he
lost a sentence or two — " and when he dismissed me, he ordered
that I should never do it again without his consent, and then
sent me into the kitchen, where I had a pottle of sack."

" A whole pottle of sack !" exclaimed his wife, in a tone of
disappointment ; " and here was I at home, as dry in this out
landish hot weather as the children of Israel at Rephidim,
when they did chide Moses because there was no water to
drink. " You might have brought your own Margery a taste,"
she added, reproachfully.

" Did I say I had a Avhole pottle ? If I did, I spoke only in a
figure, as one may say ; for there was Ephraim Pike to help me
make away with it, and you know his gullet is like a London
sewer. Love your bright eyes, Margery, a quart of sack stands
no more chance with Ephraim, when his nose once gets scent of
the liquor, or his lips touch the edge of the mug, than a mouse
among a dozen cats."

" Or than it has with you, Sam. But men be all alike ; they
be always guzzling ; they never think of their poor wives.
Here am I, Margery Bars, thine own help-meet, never away
from home ; never running about streets and going to Governor's
houses to swill sack ; never" — but here the voice of the discon
tented woman, who, in her excitement, had risen from her seat

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 71

and walked away, was lost in the pantry, or rather subdued into
an inarticulate grumble ; and Spikeman, after waiting awhile, and
finding it improbable that the conversation would be resumed,
knocked in a peculiar manner on the door, which was almost
immediately opened by Bars himself.

"Hath the order for the soldier's release arrived from the
Governor1?" inquired the Assistant.

" It hath, worshipful sir ; he is to be dismissed in the morning,"
answer the jailer.

"Hast said anything about it to Joy, as I requested thee
not ?"

" He knows no more concerning it than the logs of his dun
geon," said Bars.

" Then get the keys, and means to strike a light."

Without replying, as one accustomed to obey such orders, the
jailer provided himself in a few moments with the articles re
quired. He placed an unlighted candle in the lantern, and the
two proceeded to the door of the jail.

" He is your only prisoner, I believe ?" said Spikeman.

" None other," answered Bars.

" Remain outside by the door. I would speak a moment with
him."

The jailer, in silence, put one key into the lock and opened
the door, and gave another to Spikeman, and then stationed him
self as directed, outside.

Spikeman entered, and closed the door after him ; then striking
a light, advanced like one well acquainted with the place. The
space wherein he found himself was an entry or passage-way,
some four feet wide, running along the four sides of the prison,
and enclosing the cells in the middle, The security of the
prisoners was greatly promoted by this arrangement, two walls
being necessary to be broken in order to effect escape, and com
munication with persons without being thus made more difficult.

72 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELTCE.

The Assistant advanced, until he came to the door of a cell
which was closed, and which he knew from that circumstance
was occupied, and unlocking it, stepped within. He stopped,
and throwing around the light from the lantern, beheld the form
of the soldier extended on some straw spread in a corner, and
apparently asleep. Philip was inde&l in a profound slumber.
Relieved from the painful incumbrance of the irons which had
prevented his lying down, and kept him consequently in a con
strained posture, he was enjoying a luxury hard to be realized
except by one in a condition as wretched as his own. Spikcman
threw the light full upon his face, but it failed to awaken him.
He only smiled, and muttering something indistinctly, turned
upon his pallet, the irons on his wrists clanking as he moved.
The Assistant stood looking at him awhile, and then pronounced
his name, at first in a low tone, and afterwards louder. Even
this did not banish sleep, and Spikeman was obliged to shake him
by the shoulder before he could be aroused. It was then the
soldier, without opening his eyes, demanded, drowsily, what was
the matter. " You waked me, Bars," he said, " from such a
grand dream. I wish you would let me alone."

" Arouse thyself and look up," said the Assistant. " It is not
the jailer, but a friend, who desires thy good."

" It is Master Spikeman," said the soldier, sitting up and rub
bing his eyes, " but 1 wish you had not disturbed my dream. I
thought I was free again."

" I came to restore to thee that liberty whereof thou wert
only dreaming."

The soldier, now thoroughly awake, got upon his feet as
quickly as his swollen ankles and the manacles on his wrists
would permit.

" Then," said Philip, " all the world hath not deserted me."

" Strange that such' a thought could enter thy mind. Who
was it, at thy trial, when the fierce Dudley would have silenced

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 73

thee, demanded that thou shouldst bo heard ? To whom thinkest
thou is owing thy release from thy he;

"I was blind," said the soldier, apologetically, "and this
vveary prison must have weakened my brain, But you came to
free me. Let us leave this dismal place."

'; I wish it were possible to take thee with me, but that can
not be. Yet will I so order things that thou rnayest be far away
and in safety before the dawn."

" Show me the way ; undo these handcuffs, and I will be your
bondman forever. But wherefore," inquired Joy, as if some
sudden suspicion sprung up in his mind, " do you take this trouble
and risk on my account ?"

" Do I not know that the villains, thine accusers, lied ? Should
I not feel an interest in a brave man unjustly condemned by the
artful Winthrop? Have no suspicion of me, Philip," said Spike-
man, in a tone as if he were grieved at the thought.

" [ entreat, your pardon, and will allow of none," answered
the soUier, and his frank face abundantly confirmed the truth
of his declaration. " But how am I to escape f

" I have considered many plans," replied Spikeman, " but only
one doth seem capable of execution. Yet I fear me much thy
courage will fail, even when thou hast but to extend thy hand to
grasp thy freedom. The thing is not unattended with peril."

" Doubt not my courage, nor talk of peril to a man confined
in a place like this, when the chance of freeing himself is offered.
Try me, and see whether heart or hand fail."

" These are brave words, Philip, yet have I seen them who
talked as boldly, and yet flinched at the decisive moment."

"Who ever dared to call Philip Joy a coward?" cried the
soldier, impatiently. " Methinks it is so long since I struck a
blow worthy of a man, that I long to be doing, if only to keep
rny hand in practice."

" Then listen," said Spikeman, lowering his voice, and sup-

74 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

posing that he had got the soldier sufficiently worked up and
committed by his language. With this key" — taking one from
his pocket — " will I unfasten thy manacles, and under pretext of
unwittingly leaving open the door of thy cell, direct the jailer to
enter and lock it, when thou, being a strong and active man,
may, on his entrance, overpower him, and grant thyself free
passage, and with five minutes' start, who is there could find thee
in the woods ?"

But Joy hesitated. " Liberty is sweet," he said, " yet would I
be loth to do aught to harm Bars."

" What favor owe you him ?" demanded Spikeman. " Has he
not evil entreated thee, and loaded thee with unnecessary and
cruel bands of iron, till compelled by me to remove them ?"

" I do suppose he was acting by order of his superiors. In all
other matters, Sam has been kind to me, and he did almost weep
when he placed the iron bands around my body. Nay, but to
lay hand on him, goes mightily against my stomach."

" Then remain to rot, if you like it better, in spite of all your
boastful speeches, for the darkness and damp seem to have sucked
all manhood out of thee ; or shouldst thou survive a month, to have
thine ears cropped and thy back scourged, and after that — "

" By all the devils in hell," interrupted Joy, "that shall never
be. Unlock my irons. I will do the part of a man."

The tempter applied the key, and unlocking the gyves,
removed them, and placed them on the ground.

" They are heavy," he said. " A well-directed blow on the
head would confuse a man's thoughts. It is time to depart.
When thou art free, Philip, as, if possessing courage, thou art
sure soon to be, forget not the friend who helped thee to thy
liberty."

With these words, the Assistant took up the lantern, and
leaving the door ajar as he had proposed, proceeded to the outer
entrance. Here he found the jailer waiting, who, after locking

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 75

up, attended him at his request a short distance on his way
homeward.

" This Philip Joy," said the Assistant, as they walked together,
"is a malignant and desperate villain. I did but visit him in
order to get to the bottom of certain plots which I am well
advised are hatching against our Commonwealth, whereunto he
is privy, and which, indeed, he doth partly confess. Have thou
him in strict charge, Bars. May the Lord forgive me," he cried,
suddenly stopping, " if I have not, in my amazement at his
venomous audacity, left open the door of his cell. Hasten, good
Bars, lest by means of some confederate he escape in thine
absence."

The jailer turned instantly, as Spikeman had anticipated, and
rapidly retraced his steps. As for the Assistant himself, deeming
his presence no longer necessary or convenient, he pursued his
way, leaving further events to themselves.

When Bars returned, he found the door of the cell open. He
looked in, and by the help of his lantern, seeing Joy extended on
his straw, was about to close it without speaking, when the sol
dier called, and he stepped into the dungeon.

" Sam Bars," inquired Joy, " wherefore did you at first load
me with irons, and afterwards take them off?"

" It was by order."

" And it was not of thine own head ?"

"Truly," said Sam, "I would not of my own will lay a
feather on thee, Philip."

" These be feathers, Sam, heavier than a loon's," said the sol
dier, rising and approaching his keeper. " And being a friend,
doubtless it would please thee to see me at liberty ?"

"Assuredly, and that you will soon be."

" Thou art a prophet," cried Joy, springing upon the jailer ;
and seizing him with a powerful grasp, he hurled him to the
ground, letting fall at the same time the manacles which he had

76 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

loosely put on to deceive. " Make no noise," lie added, " and I
will not hurt thee, but to-night the words of thy prophecy must
be fulfilled ; so give me thy key."

The man thus treated made no resistance, nor attempted to
cry out, nor did he seem desirous to speak.

" What art in amaze about?" said the soldier. "Hast lost
thy wits with fright ? I tell thee I would not hurt thee, for all
thy iron feathers."

" I am pondering," answered Bars, composedly, " whether it
were better to allow thee to reap the fruit of thy folly, or to give
thee good counsel."

" Speak quick, man," said Joy, " I have no time to spend in
long talks like sermons."

" Be not profane, Philip ; but there is that in the pocket of my
doublet, and which, if my arms were loose, I would give thee,
might make thee willing to abide till morning."

" A dagger, perhaps. Nay, 1 will search before I trust thee."
So saying, the soldier proceeded to investigate the other's pockets,
but he found nothing in them or about his person except his
keys and a strip of paper.

"I see nothing," he said, "but thine arms and a worthless
bit of paper."

" And that is an order for thy release on the morrow. Read
and satisfy thyself."

Philip retreated a few steps, and still keeping his attention on
the jailer, read the writing with some difficulty by the aid of the
dim light.

"Why told you me not this before?" he demanded.

" Because it would have broke your sleep, and for another
reason. And now, Philip, will you ruin yourself and me, or
will you remain ?"

" Good Sam," said Philip, extending his hand and raising the
other up, " let thou and I be sworn friends. There is some

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 77

mystery behind this matter which it behooves us both to have
cleared up. Answer me a question. Did Master Spikeman
know of that paper ?"

" Surely he did. He inquired of me concerning it."
" Umph !" grunted Philip. " Now tell again, what is that other
reason why thou didst say nothing of the paper to me before ?"

" Answer for answer ; tickle me and I will scratch thee. I
will answer that question if you will me another."
" There is reason in thee. I promise."
"Because Master Spikeman commanded me not."
" And canst tell why he wanted to speak to me alone ?"
" To get to the bottom of sundry plots wherewith you were
acquainted, and which you had partly confessed. And now it is
my turn to ask questions, so tell me how gattest thou rid of the
irons ?"

" Master Spikeman unfastened them."

" I might have guessed as much before," said Bars, scratching
his head.

" Hark ye, Sam, that same canon-bal! of thine which thou
seemest to take so great delight in digging with thy fingers, would
have been a bloody coxcomb had I followed the advice of our
friend, Master Spikeman."

" How !" exclaimed the jailer, did he counsel injury to me T*
" Thou hast said. At any rate, to my thinking, there was not
much difference from that."

" The accursed Judas!" burst out the excited jailer ; "the
blood-thirsty Joab, who would have had me smitten under the
fifth'rib. Profane Korah, Dathan and Abiram, whom the earth
swallowed up for their bitterness against Moses, were children of
light compared with this horrid Philistine."

" I suppose she was sick at the stomach, and so gulped them
down for bitters, just as my good mother used to give me worm
wood when I was weakly in the spring," said Philip, laughing.

78 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

At any other time this speech would have drawn down a
serious remonstrance for its impiety, but at the present moment
Sam was too much engaged with the treachery of Spikeman to
bestow upon it any attention.

" Philip," he said, " I accept thy offer to be sworn friends.
This Satan, this Pharaoh, this platter with the inside unwashed,
shall not have another chance to set on honest men to murder
one another. Hearken, and thou shalt have another secret. It
was this hell incarnate who commanded me to load thee with
irons, and to starve thee besides, but that I could not do."

One revelation led to another, until the whole wickedness of
the Assistant was laid bare. Philip also learned in addition that
it was Bars himself who had communicated a knowledge of his
condition to the knight, by whom directions had been left to
have him come to the Mount of Promise as soon as he should be
liberated. Prudence, too, he was told, had been at the prison to
inquire after him, but the instructions to the jailer forbade the
carrying or delivering of messages, for which reason Philip had
hitherto remained ignorant of the interest betrayed by her.

With the discovery of the villainy of Spikeman there was
mixed up some comfort for the soldier in reflecting on the
affection of Prudence and the friendship of the knight ; but for
the jailer there was no such solace. He dwelt resentfully on
the exposure of his person and the loss of office which would
probably have been the consequence had Philip escaped, and
meditated schemes of revenge.

When the jailer took leave, the soldier stretched himself
again on the straw, and in spite of the prospect of liberty and
the scenes he had just passed through, was soon asleep.

CHAPTER V.

" Wherefore adew, my owne Herte true,

None other red I can ;
For I must to the greene Wode goe,

Alone, a banishyd man."

THE NUT-BROWN MAID.

THE uppermost desire in the heart of Philip Joy upon being
liberated in the morning by the order which, while it opened
his prison door, exonerated him from no other part of his
sentence, was to see Prudence ; but his late experience of the
wiles of Spikeman, although he could think of no motive for
his hostility, had taught him caution, and he determined to ad
vance warily to gratify his wishes.

The occupation of Philip was that of a blacksmith and
armorer, in which capacities he had been of some utility to the
colony. Between whiles, also, whenever any desperate service
was required in order to strike terror into the savages, he had
been employed in his military character, and always with
credit to himself. In consequence of his skill in his handicraft
and bravery, he had at first been a man of 110 little considera
tion, but as the population of the settlement increased, and fears
of the Indians diminished, and blacksmiths and armorers be
came more numerous, the importance of the stout soldier
gradually waned. To this result contributed, in no small de-

80 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

gree, the fact that lie had never joined the congregation, and
sometimes indulged in a freedom of speech on interdicted topics,
which was unpalatable to those around him. Hence it hap
pened that slight offences, which were at first overlooked in
consideration of his usefulness, were no longer passed by when
that usefulness was no longer prized, and there were even some
who were disposed to visit him with punishment for transgres
sions of the kind, of years previous. Spikeman, who by his
wealth and cunning, had lately succeeded in getting himself
for the first time elevated to the dignity of an Assistant, had
always appeared to be a friend, and indeed had truly been so,
until he sought to pluck the apple of discord, the too fascinating
Prudence, out of the soldier's hand. So deep was the impres
sion of the Assistant's good-will to him, and so long had he been
in the habit of regarding the magistrate as a patron, that with
out exactly disbelieving, he found it difficult to give full credence
to the jailer's representations. His mind was so confused that
he hardly knew what to do. He wanted to see Prudence before
he departed for the knight's r sidence, and yet, with a vague
dread of Spikeman's power for mischief, wished to avoid him.

Meditating upon these embarrassments, Philip mechanically
took his way in the direction of the Assistant's house-, uncon
sciously obeying the hope that some kind chance would enable
him to see his mistress without being discovered. With this
view, and as if believing that she would be able to see through
a disguise impenetrable to others, and with some sense of shame
at having been confined in a dungeon, Philip drew his slouched
hat over his eyes, and muffling his face in the folds of his short
cloak, walked in front of the dwelling, casting frequent glances
at the windows. It was in vain, however ; and fearful of at
tracting an attention which he desired to shun, he started at
last for the forest, through which he was obliged to pass on
his way to the knight's place. Wearily he dragged his steps

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 81

along, for the confinement he had suffered, and the irons he had
worn, had diminished his strength and chafed his limbs. Ponder
ing sadly his unfortunate fate, he was slowly advancing, and had
only just entered the wood, when he was saluted by a well-known
voice, that made him start with a joyful surprise. It was that
of Prudence, who was following him. She had seen him whom
it would have been difficult to disguise from her, pass the house,
and had allowed him to suppose himself undiscovered, and then
pursued, in order to enjoy, undisturbed, a meeting which she
desired as much as he. She was so overjoyed and confused at
seeing him again, that somehow she stumbled as she came near,
and would have fallen had not Philip caught her in his arms — for
which benevolent deed he rewarded himself with a couple of
smacks like the report of a pistol.

" Fie, for shame, Philip," cried Prudence, all in a glow, and
looking wonderfully, as if she wanted the offence repeated ; at any
rate the soldier so understood it, and clasping her again in his
arms, refused to release her till her lips had paid the penalty of
their sweetness. " Oh, fie," said she, once more ; " what would
folk say if they saw theeT'

" There's only birds or a chance deer to see us," said Philip,
" and it can do them no harm to take a lesson," and he attempted
to renew his demonstrations of affection.

" Be quiet now," said Prudence, pushing him away. " I
must soon hurry back, or I shall be missed, and I want, first, to
hear all about thee, and then I have something to say on my
part."

Thus rebuked, Philip seated himself, with the maiden by his
side, on the trunk of a fallen tree, and narrated the circum
stances of his trial and condemnation, and the occurrences at
the prison. Some tears pretty Prudence let fall over parts of his
story, while at others her hazel eyes flashed with indignation,

4

82 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

and upon its conclusion she disclosed in turn the conduct of
Spikeman to herself.

" [ tell thee all, Philip," said Prudence, " because thou dost
still seem to doubt about the wickedness of this bad man, who is
trying to ruin us both." She stopped, and hid her face in her
hands.

Great was the rage of the soldier at what he had heard.

" By the head of king Charles," he swore, ' I will drive rny
dagger into his black heart."

He rose in anger, as if about immediately to put his threat into
execution, but the girl threw her arms around him and drew him
down.

" That would be certain death to thee, Philip," she said. " We
must find other means to punish him. Besides, I must keep thee
safe to serve my young mistress."

" Thou art right, Prudence, and I am hot and hasty ; but
does not the villain deserve the warmest place in Beelzebub's
dominions who would harm thee? Prudence, thou shalt not
remain in his house."

"That will I," replied the girl. "Why, who is to wait on
my mistress, and take care of her but me ? If mistress Eveline
were to hear thy speech, she would not be over obliged to thee,
Master Philip, for wishing me to desert her."

" You misunderstand me, and that is not my desire. But art
not afraid of the old villain ?"

" Me afraid !" exclaimed Prudence, contemptuously, curling
her lips ; " I am not half as much afraid of him as I am of
thee." And as she uttered the words, she drew herself a little
back from him on the log where they sat.

" But tell me, my brave robin red-breast," said Philip, casting
a look at the gay cloak which she had thrown around her person,
and not seeming to pay much regard to the latter part of her
answer, " how am 1 to serve mistress Eveline?"

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 83

" O, I know not, yet I dare say we shall be able to turn tliee
to some good purpose; men are sometimes so useful !"

"I will recollect thy speech," said the soldier, laughing, " and
promise to teach thee, on a future occasion, how maidens also
may be useful. But hast never a message from mistress Eveline
to Master Arundel, should I chance to see him, for he is often at
the place of the Knight of the Golden Melice, and it is my pur
pose to go thither to-day ?"

" Young ladies affect not to send messages to thy over bold
sex," said Prudence, tossing her head, " but an' thou dost see the
gentleman, thou mayest tell him, as from me, that she is well,
and desires his prosperity."

" A cold message, truly, and it is well the weather is warm,
else would poor Master Arundel be in danger of being frozen into
an icicle."

" A hundred such messages would not, I fear, cool thy hot
blood ; but Master Miles? is gentle born, and less presumptuous
than thou ; thou mayest therefore say, rather than hurt his
feelings, that my mistress would have no objection to seeing
him."

"What a buttermilk kind of a message is that!" said the
soldier. Dost think that a man of any spirit is going to be satis
fied with an errand that runs like a stream of cold water down
one's back? Come, Prudence, perk thy red lips into more
reasonable and comforting words."

" Thou art thyself unreasonable, Philip. Dost suppose it
becomes a young woman to let her gallant know all she thinks
about him u? He ought to be ravished to believe that she does
not hate him like the rest of them who wear beards ; at any rate,
thou wilt get nothing else from me."

" I must perforce, then, be content," said Philip, u since it
may not be otherwise ; and the less unwillingly because having
had some experience in the nature of women, I know they mean

84 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

more than they say. So I Avill even translate thy words into
thy mistress' intention, and say she is dying of melancholy till
she sees him."

" Thou wilt be a false varlet an' thou dost, and I will never
trust thee with message more. Such leasing will only harm thee,
for Master Miles knows there is not in America nor in dear
old Devonshire a modester or properer young lady. O dear,
how glad I should be just to step into the grand cathedral in
sweet Exeter, and see the brave knights who died so long ago
all lying cross-legged, so decent on their marble tombs by the
sides of their ladies."

" Take care, my little Puritan," said Philip, " this is no fitting
country for such talk. ^The reverend elders have long ears, and
for aught I know, there may be one in the tree overhead
listening."

Prudence jumped hastily from her seat, and cast a frightened
glance at these words into the tree, while Philip burst into a
laugh.

" Why, how you scared me," said the girl, recovering from her
trepidation. " This is the way you treat me, you vile man, for
putting myself to. all this trouble on your account. But I would
have you to know that I am no more a Puritan, Philip Joy,
than thyself, if I do wear a close-fitting cap, which is none of the
most becoming either. If I do give into their ways, it is for the
sake of my mistress, whom no Geneva cloak, nor bishop's sleeves,
for that matter, shall make me desert."

"Bravo, bravissimo, as the outlandish fellows say," exclaimed
the soldier ; " thou art of the genuine game breed, Prudence,
and were it not that thy pretty person might come to harm, I
would desire no better front rank man than thee. But this is a
dangerous litany, and I beseech thee, dear Prudence, to remem
ber how thou art named."

He said this in a tone of emotion, which, if anything were

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 85

wanting, would have been sufficient to convince the girl of the
interest he felt for her ; but she needed no such supplementary
proof. It had the effect, however, of making the conversation
assume a more serious aspect, and the girl more gravely replied :

" I will be careful, Philip, for my mistress' sake and mine
own, and — "

" And for mine, too," interrupted the soldier.

" Ajjp. for the sake of all them," continued Prudence, " who
find anything in me to take an interest in. O, Philip, I
tremble lest you should do or say something again that these
dreadful solemn folk, who look sour enough to curdle milk, and
hate you because you laugh, may get hold of to do you an injury.
O, Philip, pray be prudent about laughing."

" Nay, Prudence," said he, drawing his illustration from what
he happened to see at the moment, " you might as well bid yon
squirrel not to jump from bough to bough. It is our nature,
and you cannot change a squirrel into an owl, or a man into a
block. But," he continued, taking her hand, " I have not told
thee all. I know not when I shall see thee again, for I am a
banished man."

"Banished!" repeated Prudence, turning pale; "I thought
they had already wronged thee enough for a few innocent words —
and now banished ! What will become of thee, Philip, and of
me?"

" Never fear, sweetheart ; we will turn their flank yet. I
have been thinking, as I came wandering along, that this Master
Spikeman, who keeps mistress Eveline as a sort of prisoner on
parole, has an object in getting me out of his way, so as better to
carry on his wicked plans. My jealous pate at first could think
only of thee ; but now I begin to fancy he may have designs upon
pretty mistress Eveline as well as upon thyself. Nay, never
bite your sweet lips till they bleed, nor dart the sparks out of
thine eyes, or you may singe my doublet. I do suspect this from

86 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the equal desire he hath shown to remove Master Miles Arundel
from the colony. He did threaten him, as I have heard, with
some law they have here forbidding a man to pay his court to a
maid without license from the worshipful magistrates."

" Did ever mortal hear the like !" exclaimed Prudence. u O,
the weary magistrates and elders! what is the world coming to?"

"'To nothing but Indians in these parts, if they go on in this
way, and not let young folk court, unless they keep sending
people from England to replenish the stock, and they will get
tired of coming when they hear how things are going on. But,
Prudence, banish or no banish, law or no law, they shall not, if
thou art agreed, prevent my seeing thee."

The girl looked affectionately at her lover, and gently returned
the pressure of his hand.

" I will hie me to the knight," continued Philip. " I happened
once to be of use to him, and he is not a man to forget a favor,
though he is somewhat changed since the time I first saw him.
He was then a fiery youth, for all he can look so grave at times
now. He hath some credit, for it was by his intercession with
the Governor that my imprisonment was shortened. I will hie
me to him, and hear what he advises, more especially as he hath
sent for me. And I bethink me, Prudence, it were no bad tiling,
if he can do so much, to get him to speak a word for mistress
Eveline."

" An' thou couldest, it were a good deed, and heaven will
reward thee therefor."

" I will look to thee, instead of heaven, for my reward," said
the soldier. " Meanwhile do thou have thine eyes like those in
a peacock's tail, all around thee, for this Master Spikeman is
cunninger than all the foxes whose tails Samson tied together."

" Trust me, Philip, and be thou discreet. And now must 1
be going back, for I would not abuse the liberty the kind heart
of dame Spikeman gives me by loitering too long ; so good-bye."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 87

" And is this the way you take leave, when perhaps you may
not see me again for a month"? Not one salute?"

" Methinks thou hast been firing salutes enough already to
welcome a ship from England. Be content, Sir Malapert, with
their discharges ;" and Prudence began tripping it away.

" I'll not be content with such a discharge," muttered the
soldier ; then raising his voice, he called after her, " Prudence,
Prudence, hasten not away so fast ; there is one thing I forgot."

The girl at the sound of his voice retraced her steps a little,
and met Philip.

" Harkee in thine ear," said he, " for I must speak low. I did
omit to put my seal to our covenant ;" and before Prudence was
aware, he had imprinted a smack upon her cheek.

" And there is mine," cried Prudence, hitting him a box upon
the ear, " and I warrant it will be as red as thine," and with
that she bounded like a deer away.

p v " The foul fiend fly away with me, an' I love not the girl
dearly," exclaimed the soldier, looking after her with admiring
eyes, as like a red- winged butterfly she flew through the green
bushes. " If I ever have the luck to get her, I shall have a
dame strong enough to carry her part of our bundle. Well, go
thy ways, Prudence Rix, for as comely, and as sweet-breathed,
and as kind a lass, notwithstanding the weight of thy hand, as
ever milked a cow in the old country."

The frame of mind in which the soldier now pursued his walk
was very different from that in which it had commenced. The
dampness of the prison which had begun to affect his health
was forgotten, as the genial sun gradually dried the clamminess
out of his clothing, and he inspired the reviving morning air. It
seemed to him he could not drink deep enough draughts of the
woodland scents, which flowed so deliciously through his lungs,
as almost to compensate for the suffering which he had endured.
His unexpected interview with Prudence, after he had given up

88 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

all expectation of it, conduced also to impart vivacity to his
spirits, and he advanced, not with a rapid pace, for of that his
treatment in the jail had made him incapable, but cheerfully and
resolutely.

It was perhaps an hour afterwards, when Philip, as he was
walking slowly on, heard the sounds of a person coming after
'him, and looking round, he beheld the man whom of all the
world he least desired to see. The whole temper of his spirit
was at once changed. The peace which, like a stream of per
fumes, had been flowing into his soul, was checked, and the at
mosphere became hot and suffocating around him. It was
Spikeman approaching, who was on his way to a plantation he
had in the neighborhood, for there were few things promising
profit to which the adventurous speculator had not directed his
attention.

Philip strove to keep the horns of the rising devil out of his
heart, and averting his head, stepped on one side to allow the
o ther to pass. Spikeman noticed the desire, — for it was too
m arked not to be observed ; and in a new country, even strangers
are not in the habit of passing one another without greeting, —
but he paid no attention to it ; and as he came up, laid his hand
on Philip's shoulder, and bade him a good morning.

The soldier started as though pierced by a thorn, and shaking
off the hand roughly, requested the Assistant to go on his way
and leave him to himself.

"How now," exclaimed Spikeman. "Methinks this is cold
welcome for a friend."

" Pass on thy way," said the soldier. " I desire not thy com
pany."

"Verily, am I amazed," said Spikeman. "Surely, to con
fer a favor on the unthankful, is like pouring water on sand."

" I do advise thee, Master Spikeman," said Philip, " to cease
thine abuse. I am no longer a fool stumbling along with his
eyes blinded."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 89

The curiosity of the Assistant had been aroused at the be
ginning, and he determined to ascertain how far Philip's know
ledge of his conduct extended, for his guilty conscience whispered
that some discovery of the soldier occasioned the changed be
havior. It might be caused only by suspicion, and if so,' he
trusted by his ingenuity to dispel it ; but if he had been betrayed,
it was important that he should know it. The Assistant, more
over, was curious to learn from the soldier himself, why he had
not broken jail as advised. He concluded that the soldier had
not ; for had he done so, the escape would probably have been
known by morning ; yet was Spikeman confident that Philip at
the time of their interview in the jail had no knowledge of the
order for his release. Perhaps Bars had overcome in the strug
gle, and disregarded it. With doubts like these floating through
his mind, he began to probe Philip.

" What ails thee ?" he inquired. " It would seem as if you
took me for an enemy, and yet have I not always approved my
self thy friend, even jeopardizing my position as a magistrate no
longer ago than yesternight to release thee from jail ?"

" Master Spikeman," answered Philip, " thou dost well know,
I doubt not, that I am at liberty, not because I did by thy ad
vice knock out the brains of harmless Sam Bars, but by the grace
of the Governor's order."

" I counselled no more violence than was necessary to effect
thy purpose ; but who moved the Governor in thy case 1"

" Not thou, as I am well advised, but the noble Knight of
the Golden Melice, a man as much superior to thee, as I am to
an Indian."

" Thou art mad and vituperative, Philip, and were it not so
early, I should think thou hacUt been indulging too liberally in
drafts of aqua vitoe. It is a vile habit. But as the Archangel
Michael returned not a railing accusation, but said, the Lord
rebuke thee, Satan, so say I unto thee. Truly, I comprehend

4*

90 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

thy game. Thou art weary of thy old friends, and being de
sirous to propitiate new, dost seek a quarrel to mask thine in
gratitude. But see whether this famous knight prove not a
broken reed."

The soldier, in spite of his conviction of the villainy of the
other, was touched at the taunt, and hastened to defend him
self.

" It is false, Master Spikeman," he cried. " If thou wert
truly a friend, wherefore advise me to break jail, and thus ex
pose myself to be hunted as a malefactor, when I had but to
wait till morning for deliverance?"

" It is much, Philip Joy, for one in my condition to conde
scend to explain, especially after thy rudeness of speech ; yet
will I do it, that no fancied cause may be left for thy base sus
picions. Shortly, then, I knew not of Gov. Winthrop's inten
tion, for when I did entreat him in thy behalf, he spake in such
ambiguous phrase as effectually to cloak his thoughts. I doubt
not, now, that it was to make the surprise the more agreeable.' '

This was said with such an appearance of innocence, that the
simplicity of the soldier was confounded, and he began to doubt
more and more the truth of his suspicions. But the communica
tion of Prudence rankled in his mind, and though disposed to
acquit the Assistant of treachery against himself, he could not
forgive the treatment of the girl. He did not doubt her word,
and yet desired to hear the Assistant's excuse, if he had any,
He shrunk from the subject, and yet was drawn to it, like a
moth fascinated by a light.

" There is another thing I like not," he said, hesitatingly.

" And pray, what may thy wisdom have discovered now ?"

" That it is not becoming in a grave magistrate to try to
cozen servant girls," burst from the soldier.

" Has Prudence ?" but here the Assistant, sensible that

he had already said too much, suddenly checked himself, while

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 91

his sallow clieek looked still more yellow. But the escape of
the girl's name, even without the embarrassment, was a con
fession of guilt to the soldier, who, with rising passion, ex
claimed —

" Away, or I shall be tempted to do that whereof I may re
pent/'

Spikeman marked his agitation, and hesitated whether to come
to an open breach, or continue his system of deception. The
craft of his nature preponderated, and he determined to adopt
the latter course.

" Gently, Philip," he said. " Thy prison hath strangely affected
thee ; but because I pity, I will not be angry. At least let me
finish the sentence which I begun. I did desire to know whether
Prudence, whom, that thou dost affect, I have for some time
known, (nay, never blush ; I have been young myself,) whether
Prudence, I say, gained access to thy prison to tell thee of my
exertions in thy behalf?"

"Thou exert thyself for me! Go to, thou wert more busy for
thyself."

" I understand thee not ; yet hearken, for the whole truth
must be revealed. I say that I have done all that man could
do, and as the event proves, not in vain. As for Prudence, I
will confess to one impropriety, if it be thy pleasure to call it so,
though I meant it not, and whereof thou art in some sense
the cause. Knowing thy regard for her, I did speak one day of
my hopes for thee, whereat the tears did stand in her eyes, and
I was so moved thereat, that I did salute her cheek, but only as
a father might caress a child."

The soldier was more bewildered than ever. He was inca
pable of conceiving of such falsehood as the other's. It seemed
to him now that Prudence might be mistaken, and have con
verted a mere compliment into an insult, so contrary appeared
the intimations which she had made to what was to be expected

92 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

from the years and gravity of the Assistant. The freedom with
which Spikeman spoke of kissing the girl confirmed the idea,
and Philip fancied that he had been harsh.

" Master Spikeman," he said at length, " if I have unjustly
suspected thee, I crave pardon. There may be something in
what you said, that the prison hath clouded my mind."

" Think no more of it, Philip, though doubtless it is so. I
have known many a one who, by confinement, hath irretrievably
lost his wits. Therefore will it be wise in thee not to be ar
rested again."

" Wherefore arrested, since I have an order of release 1

" Alas, thou dost forget thy banishment. If thou art taken
within the forbidden boundaries, severe will be thy punishment.
Attempt not for Prudence's sake, or any cause, to return without
apprising me thereof, when I will endeavor to provide for thy
safety."

The soldier extended his hand.

" This is kind," he said, " and be assured, Master Spikeman,
that I will not soon conceive suspicion of thee again." These
women be notional things, he murmured to himself.

Spikeman took the hand.

" Now this is like thyself, Philip," he said — " a brave soldier —
true as a Toledo blade — one who loves his friend, and hates his
enemy, although this latter part should not be so. Thou aYt
journeying, I see, to the knight's place. Mayst thou find in him
a patron, but it will do no harm to say — be on thy guard ; one
old friend is better than a dozen new."

Pie turned away, and the soldier, as he looked after him,
said —

" There is truth in thy words, but thou art ignorant that the
knight and I were friends long before I knew thee."

CHAPTER VI.

Nature I court in her sequestered haunts,
By mountain, meadow, streamlet, grove or cell,

Where the poised lark his evening ditty chaunts,
And Health, and Peace, and Contemplation dwell.

SMOLLETT.

So LONG had the soldier been delayed by his interviews with
Prudence and the Assistant, that it was not until past noon that
he reached the knight's residence. It was a large, irregularly
built log-cabin, or cottage, covered with thatch, resembling some
what, except in the last particular, and in being larger, the
log- cabins one meets in the new settlements of the West, with a
sort of piazza or porch, which seemed to have been lately built,
running across the front. Such was the rude exterior ; though
the interior, as we shall presently see, when we enter the build
ing, was furnished in a style indicating both wealth and refine
ment.

The house stood near the bottom of a hill, upon a piece of
cleared land of perhaps half a dozen acres, upon which not the
vestige of a stump was to be seen. The ground sloped gently
away from the building to the southeast, until it met a small
stream, which meandered at the base of the hill, and running
in an easterly direction, was lost to sight in the forest. In front
of the house, at the distance of a rod, bubbled up a bright
spring, which, dashing down the declivity, fell into the first-

94 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

mentioned stream. Except this cultivated spot, which had been
an old corn-field of the natives, selected by them for the fertility
of the soil, its advantage of water, and the favorable slope of the
land, which enabled it to engross more than a common share of
the genial heat of the sun, and expedite the maturing of its har
vests, all was one unbroken extent of forest. In the soft au
tumnal days, when the maize leaves rustled yellow on their
stalks, it must have looked to the soaring eagle, gazing from his
" pride of place," like a vast nest in a green leafy frame.

Around this building, at some little distance, viz., at the edge
of the encircling forest, were scattered some four or five wig
wams, or Indian lodges, made of the bark of trees, from some of
which smoke curled lazily up into the blue sky, imparting assu
rance thereby of their being inhabited, though the presence of
some naked children near the entrances, who were shooting with
little bows at marks, and amusing themselves in other ways,
made any such indication unnecessary.

As the soldier drew near, he heard more and more distinctly
musical sounds, and presently could distinguish the tinkling of a
guitar, accompanied by a female voice. He stopped and listened.
The air was slow and solemn, the notes were soft and clear, and
the words sweet, but not English. There was a rich luxu
riance, yet pathos in the music, like the utterances of a spirit
whose hopes were mingled with reminiscences of joys which it
had lost. How long Philip listened, he knew not, so entranced
was he by the sounds. It was a long time since he had heard
such delicious strains, and the effect upon him was therefore the
greater. Suddenly they ceased, as if his approach had been dis
covered, and immediately thereafter, a man stepped out upon
the piazza. Philip recognized him at once as the young man to
whom Prudence had sent a message, and whom he himself had
called Master Arundel.

He was a fair-haired youth of some twenty-three or four

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN" MELICE. 95

years, with that clear, bright complexion so common amono; the
English, and which they owe to their foggy climate and habit of
exercise in the open air. Dark blue eyes looked out joyously
from a handsome face, which would have been effeminate, so
delicate were the features and rosy the tint of the cheeks, but
for a brown moustache, which shaded the lip, and redeemed it
from the imputation. His doublet and hose were of a dark
green cloth, as was also the cap he held in his hand, and he
wore boots made of yellow leather, reaching abova the knee, and
full at the top. Around his neck was a white band, like those
worn by the wealthier colonists. This young gentleman first
spoke.

" Ha ! Achilles, or Coeur de Lion from captivity," or to fashion
my speech more into the humor of this new world, " O, Daniel
from the lion's den, greatly doth my heart rejoice at thy de
liverance." "Welcome, good Philip," he added, in a more na
tural tone, betraying some sympathy, and taking him at the
same time by the hand ; " welcome to your friends."

The tired soldier sank down upon a bench before he was able
to speak.

" Thy tongue is dry, and moves slowly, and, now that I re
gard thee more closely, art pale. We must cheer up thy droop
ing spirit "

" Having thus spoken, the young man entered the house, and
presently returned with a flagon and drinking cups.

" Drink, man," said Arundel, filling a cup with wine, " and
wash all sorrow out of thine heart. The suns that ripened the
grapes out of which this juice was crushed, were bright and
joyous. May they impart their own happiness and vigor unto
thee."

The soldier put the cup to his lips, nor withdrew it until the
contents were drained.

" I feel," he said, " the good wine tingling through all my
veins, and am a new man again."

96 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Fill once more," said the young man, suiting the action to
the word ; " one shower is not enough for so thirsty a soiL"

The soldier did not refuse, and having drank a second time,
he felt refreshed.

"Pleasant enough quarters, Master Arundel," he said, look
ing around ; " and I see ye have some red-skins camped near
by."

"They are the knight's particular friends, whose society it
seems to be his sovereign pleasure to cultivate. He has per
suaded them to gather round him, forming what may be called
his body-guard."

" Or outposts of the main garrison. Well, for runners or
scouts they may answer, but for hand-to-hand action, they are
naught. But where is Sir Christopher ?"

" He started on a hunt this morning, our larder having run
low. Hark !" he added, as suddenly the blast of a bugle was
heard echoing through the forest, " that is the sound wherewith
he is accustomed to announce his approach, and you will present
ly see him coming out of the wood."

Sure enough, in a few moments the tall form of the knight,
arrayed in a deer-skin hunting-shirt, with leggins of the same
material, and '' a piece" in his hand, was seen emerging into the
open space. He was followed by a couple of Indians, each of
whom bore on his shoulders a deer.

" Quecheco," the two white men heard him say, as he came out
of the bushes, " carry thou thy deer to my lodge, and do thou,
Pococke, divide thine with thy brother Quecheco." After
speaking these words, he advanced toward them.

" So, ho, Philip," cried Sir Christopher, " again under my
banner. Fate hath decreed us I think for buenas camaradas, and
for my part I heartily rejoice thereat. A braver heart than thine
never beat under steel corselet, or truer hand wielded a sharp
sword."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 97

"I thank you, Sir Christopher, for your good opinion," said
the soldier, " but I have seen little service since we parted
among the Turbans, of whom somehow your wine sets me a
thinking, at all to my mind. As for fighting these naked savages,
who have nothing but children's bows and stone hatchets, while
our men-at-arms are clad in bullet-proof steel from head to heel,
methinks there is little manhood required therefor, and for what
I have done in that way, I confess myself somewhat ashamed."

" It doth please me to hear thee speak thus, Philip," replied
the knight/ True valor is ever joined with generosity, and
despises to take advantage of superior strength to crush the
weaker. But fear not that I have any service of the kind for
thee. I came not among these innocent natives to bring a sword,
but the olive branch of peace. I would see them peaceful, and
united, and happy, not broken into hostile clans, and delighting
in murdering one another."

" I spoke not," said the soldier, " as desiring to make terms
with you, Sir Christopher, well knowing that you would ask
nothing which an honest man would be unwilling to perform,
and am only too happy to enter your service."

" So be it, Philip," said the knight. " Henceforth be here thy
home."

" Truly," exclaimed the soldier, stretching out his legs with a
sigh of relief, " there is some difference between lying in a prison,
or even talking with Master Spikeman in the bushes, as I did but
just now, and being with good wine and noble gentlemen."

" Didst meet on thy way that most puritanical of Puritans, the
praying, cheating, canting, hypocritical, long-faced Master Spike
man V cried Arundel. " I wonder what new mischief he hath
now on foot, for it is his meat ?"

" Master Miles Arundel," said the knight, " thy language is
too intemperate to be excused even by thy youth. Check the
bitterness of thine expression, and know that he who rules his
own spirit is greater than he who wins a kingdom."

98 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

A flash of haughty resentment lighted up the eyes of the young
man at the reproof, but as he saw that no offence was designed,
he answered :

" I expect never to win a kingdom, but as for this villain — "

" Peace, I entreat thee, my young friend," interrupted
Sir Christopher. " I am curious to hear of Philip's treatment
in his confinement, if he will favor us with an account thereof?"

Hereupon the soldier recounted to them all that had passed in
his prison, including his interview with Spikeman, and attack on
the jailer, and also the conversation in the wood, except those
parts which had relation to Prudence.

" I see not," said Arundel, upon the conclusion of the nar
rative, " why the wily Assistant should be thine enemy, but he
clearly is. Thou art honored in this respect as well as I."

" My mind doth misgive me that you are right," said Philip.
" Away from him. He seems an arch villain, though in his presence
the feeling changes, for he hath a tongue to wile a bird from the
bough."

" Be sure I am not mistaken. See now whether Sir Christo
pher be not of the same opinion."

Thus appealed to, the knight answered :

" I fear that your judgment, Master Arundel, is correct,
though caring not to enter into the reasons which have forced
me to this conclusion. But we will endeavor to use such caution
that any mischievous designs of his shall be defeated. Happily
my homestead is not comprised within the limits of the colony,
and the sentence of banishment is complied with, Philip being
here."

Hereupon Sir Christopher rose and entered the house, and the
soldier took advantage of his absence to deliver the message of
Prudence, which, as he had threatened, he colored a little.
With all his efforts he was unable to conceal the interest which
he felt for the girl, but the young man good naturedly allowed

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 99

him to suppose it unnoticed. In a short time the knight re
appeared, and invited them in to dinner.

The apartment which they entered opened immediately upon
the porch, and was a room some twenty feet square, constituting
somewhat more than a quarter of the building. The walls were
merely unhewn logs, divested of the bark, and filled in with a
tenacious clay resembling mortar. Against them were nailed, or
supported by wooden pegs, in divers places, branching horns of
the moose and deer, over which were hung hunting-shirts and
skins of various wild animals, tanned with the hair on. The
antlers also, in many instances, supported guns, and swords, and
hunting pouches, and powder-horns, and, in short, whatever
might be necessary for attack or defence in war, and success in
the chase. In the centre of the room a table for four or five
persons was set, and a squaw was busy near a fire preparing the
meal.

It was not long before the simple dinner, consisting principally
of venison steaks and bread made of Indian corn, was placed
by the squaw on the board, and the three men drew up, Philip
manifesting some modest reluctance, until pressed thereto by
the knight.

" The vain distinctions of the world," said Sir Christopher,
" are out of place here. My soul sickens at the servile respect
paid to stars and garters. The jewel of the spirit is to be
prized, not by the setting, but by the degree of its own splendor
it darts around."

Nor simple though the dinner was, were there wanting draughts
of wine like that of which the soldier had drank upon his
arrival. Of the three, he drank the most freely ; Arundel
moderately, and the knight almost abstemiously. As the last
regarded the pale face of Philip, and marked the kindling
lustre of his eyes, he pardoned the poor fellow, in consideration
of what he had endured, the freedom of his libations.

100 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

At the conclusion of the meal, Arundel, turning to the
knight, said :

" Philip has brought me word, Sir Christopher, which will
necessitate the abridgment of a visit I did intend should be
longer. My purpose is to return to Boston in the morning."

" May a friend inquire after the cause of your sudden de
parture ?" asked the knight.

" It hath some connection," answered the young man, slightly
blushing, " with a matter wherewith you are already acquainted.
I know not why I should hesitate to aver before yourself and
Philip that it hath reference to mistress Eveline Dunning."

" Fear not to speak the honest impulses of thine heart, Master
Arundel," said the knight, "nor deem that I can take amiss
thy preference of the starry eyes of pretty mistress Eveline to
a hermitage in the wood."

"She desires to see me," returned the young man, "and I
hold it a sacred duty to watch over her, for she is a lamb in
the jaws of a lion."

" My opinion of the worshipful Master Spikeman," said the
knight, " is not much more favorable than thine own, though
mine eyes be not blinded by the deceitful mists of passion. Be
wary, however, else mayest thou incur an enmity which it were
well to avoid."

" What wouldest have me do, Sir Christopher?" demanded
the young man, rising with some impatience. " Detains he not
my affianced bride? Refuses he not even to allow me to see
her, and must not our meetings be stolen? Does he not deny
the solemn obligation he took upon himself by the death- bed
of his too confiding friend, to unite Eveline with me in mar
riage, and is he not thereby a perjured wretch, regardless alike
of his vow to God and of duty to the dead and living ? I care
not for his enmity, but prefer it to his friendship, nor will I
tamely permit him to triumph in his villainy."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 10 L

" Calm thyself, Master Arundel," said the knight ; " truly I
counselled no such thing. My heart is with thee, and my hand
at thy service in this matter, for I esteem thee wronged, but
neither violence of speech nor precipitancy in action will avail
to right thee. All means of persuasion are not exhausted.
Why not endeavor to interest Governor Winthrop in thy be
half?"

"To what purpose? Suppose you he would take my word
in opposition to that of a fellow saint and magistrate f

" Unjust ! Master Arundel ; degrade not the noble Winthrop,
a pattern of many Christian virtues, and some knightly qualities,
by such association. But to thy word would be superadded
that of the young lady. He must believe her."

" Nay, Sir Christopher, your eagle glance at once detects false
hood wherewith it has no affinity, and you judge of others ac
cording to the standard of your own nobleness, but I am per
suaded the attempt would be in vain. The case stands thus :
there is really but witness against witness, for what know I of
what occurred at the death-bed of Eveline's father, except what
she herself has told me "? Kind though may be the heart of
the Governor, and sound his judgment, the false asseveration of
the Assistant would outweigh the declaration of Eveline ; and,
did it not, and were he ever so favorably disposed, no court in
this New Canaan, as they call it, would decide against one of the
congregation iri favor of an orphan girl not protected by their
magic covenant, and whose hand is sought by an intruder into
their fold."

" I deny not the force of thine argument," replied the knight,
" and yet have I remarked an omnipotence in truth, that doth
make me insist on having recourse to Governor Winthrop. As
is the God-like sun, animating and vivifying all things, searching
into dark recesses and driving out bats and impure vermin by
his intolerable presence, and unveiling ugliness and hatefulness,

102 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN ME LICE".

so is Truth. Withersoever she turns her shinino1 mirror there

O

Error may not abide, but like a dastardly coward, flies from the
glory. Believe, Master Arundel, that He who is uncreated,
Truth will magnify that wherein He delights."

" To pleasure thee, Sir Christopher, there is nothing which I
would not undertake, convinced though I am of its inefficacy."

" So please you then, represent your grievance in the highest
quarter, before you further proceed. And now, I propose to
present Philip to Lady Geraldine, if her leisure serve. You will
accompany us.''

Passing through a vestibule, which separated the two rooms,
the knight threw open a door, and admitted them into an apart-
mant of smaller dimensions than the first, but fitted up with far
more regard to comfort, and with even some pretension to ele
gance. The floor was covered with matting made by the Indian
women, on which strange figures were drawn, stained with bril
liant dyes ; the sides of the room also were hung with matting,
over which fell folds of scarlet cloth reaching to within a couple
of feet of the floor, imparting an air of gayety, while overhead
was tightly drawn and fastened to the rafters a light blue cloth,
approaching in color the hue of the sky. Some chairs* were
scattered around, and on a table lay a guitar, on the top of a
book. No person was in the apartment at the moment of their
entrance, and, upon the invitation of the knight, they took seats
to await the arrival of the lady.

They had been seated but a short time when another door
opened, and a comely gentlewoman entered, ushered by a little
Indian girl. The age of the lady appeared to be about the same
as that of the knight, and, to judge from her complexion, she was
not of English extraction. Her features, though not regular,
were handsome ; the eyes large and black, with hair of the same
color, confined by a white cap ; her figure was tall and slender,
and her carriage dignified and noble. Her dress consisted merely

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. ' 103

of a black gown, without ornament, and rising high into the neck,
and as she approached she looked like one oppressed with sad
ness.

Her little swarthy attendant seemed to be a pet which she took
delight in adorning, and truly, the little girl was not unconscious
that her childish beauty was enhanced by richness of attire. A
crimson satin tunic, like a basque, was fastened around her waist
by a golden band, beneath which fell a blue silk skirt as far as
the knees, while high upon the ankles were laced deer-skin bus
kins, profusely bedecked with shining beads and colored porcu
pine quills. Around her arms, above the elbows, were strings of
colored beads, her wrists were clasped by bracelets of the same
description, and about her neck was twined a gold chain.

As the lady thus attended advanced, all rose to pay the respect
due to her sex and station.

" Behold, Lady Geraldine," said the knight, presenting to her
the soldier, " the valiant man to whom I once owed my life."

"He is very welcome," replied the lady, in an accent just for
eign enough to impart a strange interest to her speech. " The
savior of my cousin's life is very welcome."

The ^embarrassed soldier, confounded at the presence of one
who looked to him like a superior being, could find no words to
return to her greeting, and only bowed low to conceal his confu
sion.

" I have heard, Sir Christopher," she continued, " speak of the
daring feat of arms whereby he was rescued from the foe, and
longed to behold his valorous deliverer to return my soul-felt
thanks. Be seated, most welcome gentlemen. And thou, Mas
ter Arundel, I trust, hast received intelligence from Boston which
will chase away the cloud that sometimes gathers on thy brow."

" Honored madam," answered the young man, in the inflated
style of gallantry which the custom of high-bred society not only
permitted but enjoined, " when the beautiful majesty of the heav-

104 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

enly sun appears, clouds have no place above the horizon, but fly
away, chased by his golden shafts."

" Would that I had the power," said the lady, u as the benefi
cent sun dispels the clouds, so to drive away all sorrow and dis
appointment. There is no grief-laden heart that should not be
cheered."

" Recount now, Philip, to Lady Geraldine, the adventure which
causes the colony to lose a valiant soldier, and me to gain for our
solitude an old friend and companion in arms," said the knight.

The soldier, upon being thus addressed, found his voice, and
narrated to the lady the circumstances of his enforced departure
from Boston. She listened with an appearance of interest, and
upon its conclusion spoke a few words expressive of her sorrow
for his imprisonment, and of congratulation for the knight, to
whom she hoped he would be for the future attached.

" I do begin to consider my banishment as no misfortune," said
the soldier, whose confidence in himself was now restored. " The
labor of my forge and exposure of life for folk who know not how
to excuse a hasty word or two, are well exchanged for the service
of so noble a master and mistress."

" Be sure, thou shalt not rust like a sheathed sword," said the
knight, " and it shall go hard, but I will find for thee employ
ment to content an undegenerate spirit. But, Lady Geraldine,
while we gain one to our company, we lose (only for a short time,
I hope) another. Master Arundel purposes to leave our solitude
to-morrow."

The lady looked inquiringly at the young man, who answered
with a blush :

" A message brought by Philip doth constrain my departure."

" A sweet constraint," said the knight, smiling. " Fear not,
Master Arundel, that Lady Geraldine will blame thee for obey
ing an impulse as natural as the love of a bee for a flower. The
diamond eyes of Mistress Eveline would furnish apology for a
deeper crime."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 105

"I trust all is well with sweet Mistress Eveline," said the
lady.

" All well, may it please you, madam, save for the injurious
durance which, in despite of his promise, and regardless of all
honor as a man, the villain Spikeman, who calls himself her guar
dian, imposes on her."

"He will relent," said the lady. "It may be he desires only
to try the strength of thy devotion. The flame of thy love will
burn the brighter for the trial."

" I have no hope of such result," said Arundel. " He is so
closely wedded to evil, that to do a good action would be to him
a pain."

"Nay," said the lady, "it cannot be there is a creature who
loves evil for its own sake. That were quite to extinguish the
heavenly spark. Judge not unhappy Master Spikeman so harsh
ly. Commend me to the love of Mistress Eveline," she added,
rising, " when you see her, and say that I wear her sweet image
in my heart."

So saying, she bowed and left the apartment, preceded by the
little girl, the others rising, and remaining standing as long as she
was in sight.

CHAPTER VII.

Thinkest thou that I could bear to part
From thee and learn to halve my heart ?
Years have not seen, time shall not see,
The hour that tears my soul from thee.

BRIDE OP ABYDOS.

IT was early on the morning of the next day when Arundel
started on his way to Boston, whither the message delivered by
the soldier had somewhat hastened his return. There was, indeed,
to one not in love, nothing in it to require such haste, and the
explanation of his departure is to be found only in the natural
desire of a lover to be near his mistress. Something might hap
pen ; he would seek an occasion to see her ; perhaps a plan might
be devised ; at least, his wishes could not be promoted by keep
ing himself at a distance. While the young man, musing on
sweet hopes and vague unformed designs, is threading his way
through the forest, we will take advantage of the opportunity to
explain in a few words what the reader, as yet, only imperfectly
suspects.

Two years previous to the time when our story commences,
Edmund Dunning, a landholder and gentleman of consideration,
in the county of Devon, in England, having recently adopted the
creed and practice of the Puritans, (as a sect dissenting from the
Church of England, somewhat in doctrine, and wholly in outward
observances, was called ; from asserting, as it was thought, pre-

108 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

tentions to superior purity of belief and strictness of living,) left
the shores of his native island with an only child, a daughter,
then between seventeen and eighteen years of age, to seek that
freedom for his faith in the new world, which, as he conceived,
was denied him in the old. His whole family consisted of this
daughter, Eveline, his wife having deceased several years previ
ously. Plis departure was hastened by a circumstance which had
for some time occasioned him no little uneasiness, and the evil
consequences of which he could think of no other means so ef
fectually to avoid. This circumstance was an intimacy between
the beautiful Eveline and a young gentleman in the neighboring
town more tender than the father approved, who looked upon the
hopes of the suitor as presumptuous, and was, besides, opposed
to an union, on account of a diversity of religious sentiment be
twixt himself and the aspirant.

This young man was Miles Arundel. A year before - Master
Dunning and his daughter left England, he had come to the town
of Exeter, near to which the Dunnings lived on their estate, and
opened a studio as a landscape painter. It was not, however,
until a month after his arrival, that he seemed at all decided
as to his intentions, the time being spent in wandering over the
beautiful country, and making occasionally a sketch ; nor after
he had offered his services to the public in a professional ca
pacity did he work very diligently. Yet was it remarked that
he was never in want of money ; and the citizens of Exeter
thought that he must get high prices for his pictures in London
to warrant his expenditure.

Among the families to which he was introduced as an artist,
was that of Edmund Dunning. Eveline was no indifferent
sketcher herself, and accompanied her father one day on a visit
to the rooms of Master Arundel. It is said that the young
people blushed at the meeting, but however that may be, the
blush was unobserved by Master Dunning.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 109

So agreeable did the young artist make himself, that one visit
led on to another, and he was invited to the house of Dunning,
and soon found himself, he hardly knew how, on a familiar footing
in his family, and giving lessons in painting to his daughter.
Edmund Dunning had no intentions that any other lessons should
be given, and it accordingly grieved him when he discovered the
terms on which the young people stood to one another, and
which their ingenuousness could not conceal. With this relation
he had made himself acquainted as soon as he suspected it, by
inquiring of Eveline, who frankly told him the whole truth.
Arundel loved her, but dared not, on account of the distance
that separated him from her father, make known his feelings.
The father demanded of his child why she did not, at the be
ginning, check such aspiring thoughts, and whether it was proper
to allow of the continuance of such a state of things. Poor
Eveline could only reply with tears, and that she could not pre
vent Miles loving her, but confessed that she had done wrong,
and promised to break off the intimacy.

" I am unacquainted with his family, which is probably ob
scure," said Edmund Dunning; "but were the blood of Alfred
in his veins, he should have no daughter of mine so long as he
ikvors the persecuting Church of England, which I know he
does, notwithstanding his constant attendance at the meetings of
the congregation, the reason whereof I now understand."

The promise which Eveline made to her father she kept, nor
from that moment would she consent to see Arundel. He
pleaded hard for a single interview, if only to take leave, and
though her heart strongly took his part, she replied that she
would not increase the reproaches of her conscience by advancing
a step further in an intimacy which she had wrongly concealed
from her father, and was disapproved by him. All intercourse
between the lovers ceased from this time, and shortly after
Arundel disappeared from the neighborhood.

110 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

But it was at the risk of her health that Eveline obeyed her
parent. The rounded form began to become thin ; the cheeks,
in which red roses were accustomed to bloom, faded, and the
lovely blue eyes lost their lustre. The anxious father noticed
these signs with apprehension, and in the hope that new scenes
and a change of climate might improve his daughter's health,
hastened their departure.

Almost immediately on his arrival in the new world he formed
an acquaintance with Spikeman, who used every effort to in
gratiate himself into his confidence. So successful was Spike
man, that he persuaded Master Dunning to embark a con
siderable portion of his property in the business wherein Spike
man was engaged, and on the death of Dunning, which happened
only six months thereafter, to appoint him the guardian of
Eveline. But as the shadows of this world were settling on the
eyelids of the dying man, the light of another and a better
dawned upon his mind. The differences of opinion which had
separated him from the friends of his youth and manhood, and the
distinctions of rank, assumed less and less importance. He re
garded with pity the sadness of his daughter, and determined
that he would be no obstacle in the way of her happiness. He
called her and his friend to his bed-side, and after kissing her
pale cheek, gave his full consent to her union with Arundel,
and made Spikeman promise to favor her wishes in all things.
Having thus settled his worldly affairs, Edmund Dunning turned
his face to the wall and gave up the ghost.

The tears of Eveline, left an orphan far away from the only
spot which she considered her home, flowed bitterly at the loss
of her father. He had been a gentle and sweet-tempered man,
and an indulgent parent, and she thought of him with a grief
and yearning affection, the pain of which the removal of the
interdiction to her marriage with one whom she loved, served at
first, but in a slight degree, to mitigate. But time had its usual

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. Ill

effect. The swollen eyes of poor Eveline at last resumed their
brightness ; the color returned to her cheeks ; her step became
lighter, and she looked forward wish pleasure to the time when
she should give her hand to one who already had her heart.

But Spikeman was far from sympathizing with her views, nor
had he any intention to keep his promise. At the time when
he inveigled Edmund Dunning into entrusting property to his
hands, his aifairs were in an embarrassed condition, and he
needed then and now the funds to save him from ruin. And
again, hypocrite though he was in some respects, he was not
altogether so. A man of violent passions, and unscrupulous in
their gratification, deluding himself with the idea that having
once tasted the sweets of justification, (as he fancied,) his con
dition was one of safety, and that the sins which reigned in the
members of his body could not reach his soul, he was yet zealous
for the faith which he had adopted, and devoted to the interests
of the colony. It was to this devotion mainly that he owed his
dignity of Assistant. As a Puritan, he was, or at least believed
himself to be, opposed to a marriage between Eveline and
Arundel on the same principle which had at first influenced her
father, and been corrected only by the dawning light of eternity.
Shortly before the decease of his friend, Spikeman had fre
quently, though never in the presence of Eveline, combated
Dunning' s resolution with which he had been made acquainted,
but in vain. Had he dared, he would have resorted to one or
more of the elders to exert their potent influence, but this would
have been to betray the secret, and in case of their failure, might
have placed himself in an unpleasant predicament. He concluded
it was better to lock it up in his own breast, and so remain master
of his actions and of her destiny, at least till her majority, which
lacked two years before attainment. During that time, his cir
cumstances might change — she might decease — no one knew what
was in the future.

112 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

It is not, therefore, surprising that the Assistant did not write
to England to inform Edmund Dunning's relatives of his death ;
much less that he did not inform Arundet of the fact. Months
slowly dragged by, and yet the expecting girl received no word
from home. At first Spikeman accounted for it by the length of
time required to make the passage between the countries; after
wards by the supposition that the letters might have failed, or in
timating that Arundel had probably changed his mind. A cold
pang, as if she had been stabbed by an icicle, pierced the bosom
of Eveline at this cruel suggestion, and she felt utterly desolate.
What, however, frightened and depressed her spirit, only roused
the indignation of Prudence Rix, her attendant from England,
who even then had a sharper insight into the character of the
Assistant than her mistress.

"Hey-day!" she exclaimed; " to think that Master Miles, the
handsomest and darlingest young gentleman in Devonshire, and
who, if he was only a painter, looked grander and gave away
more gold pieces than many a lord she'd known, and who wor
shipped Mistress Eveline like some pagans she'd heard of did the
sun, should think of forgetting her ! It was precious nonsense.
For her part, if she was Mistress Eveline, she would write to
him herself, without letting old vinegar-face know anything
about it."

The advice was not thrown away on the young lady, though
with an instinctive delicacy she did not follow it literally.
Instead of addressing Arundel directly, she wrote to a female
friend, and communicated the change in her circumstances, and
the relenting of her deceased father, rightly judging that the in
formation would not long remain unknown to her lover. She did
this without the knowledge of Spikeman, else it is probable that
the letter would never have reached its destination. The event
answered her expectations, and with the arrival of the first ship
after her epistle was received, she had the gratification of greeting

THE KNIGHT OF THE 'GOLDEN MELICE. 113

Arundel. But what was her astonishment, when, upon the de
mand of the young man that her guardian should carry into
effect the wishes of his deceased friend, Spikeman denied that
any obligation was imposed upon him. He would not admit that
there had been any change of opinion in the dying man, but
insisted, on the contrary, that he had remained steadfast in his
purpose to the last. He affected surprise at the declarations of
Eveline, and while not pretending to say what might have taken
place in his absence, persisted in asserting that nothing of the
kind had occurred in his presence. The young lady was surely
in error. The bewilderment occasioned by excessive grief on
account of her father's condition, and partiality for her lover, had
caused her to mistake the meaning of the former. He could not,
however much desirous to please his ward, violate the instruc
tions of his deceased friend.

The remonstrances of Arundel, and gentle expostulations and
entreaties of Eveline, were without effect ; and when once the
young man, in a moment of anger, threatened Spikeman with an
appeal to justice and punishment by the government in England,
the latter grimly sneered at his threats, and bade him beware lest
he himself might be sent, as a malcontent, out of the country.
It was, indeed, far more probable that such would be the result
of Arundel's persistency, than that he should succeed in carrying
off his mistress; and, blinded as he was by love, he could not con
ceal from himself the danger. To this was to be added another
peril, which the Assistant, in one of their conversations, had
hinted at, and of which we have also made mention, viz : that
he might incur the punishment provided for those who paid court
to maidens without the consent of the guardian or magistrate.

But the young couple had, besides Prudence, a powerful friend,
whose kind heart pitied their misfortunes, and by whose means,
assisted by the faithful serving-maid, they had many stolen meet
ings, unknown to their persecutor, and this was no other than

5*

114 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

dame Spikeman herself. Destitute of children, she had been
early attracted by the beautiful orphan, for whom she soon learned
to feel the aifection of a mother. Into her tender bosom the
unprotected girl poured her griefs, and always met with sympa
thy and good counsel. At first, the good dame attempted to al
ter the determination of her husband, but finding her efforts in
vain, she finally abandoned them, and contented herself with fa
voring the lovers by every means in her power, without his
knowledge, trusting to the chapter of. accidents for the result.
Perhaps a few pieces of coin, distributed by Arundel now and
then among the servants, contributed to preserve the knowledge
of their meetings from the Assistant, who, whatever he might
suspect, found it difficult, engaged in his business, to detect them.

While we have been making this tedious but necessary expla
nation, the young man has had time to reach the thickest part of
the forest, lying midway betwixt the residence of the knight and
his place of destination. He followed a narrow path made origi
nally by the Indians, as they traversed the woods in the manner
peculiar to themselves, known by the name of Indian file, now
skirting the edge of a morass, now penetrating through a thick
undergrowth, and now walking in more open spaces and under
the shade of enormous trees.

Arundel, as he walked along with his piece in his hand, had
kept watchfully looking round to discern any game within range,
when, as he reached one of these open spaces, his eyes fell upon
a dark object crouched upon a lower limb of a tree immediately
over the path before him, and he instantly recognised the animal
as the cougar or American panther. It is the habit of the crea
ture thus to conceal itself in trees, waiting till its prey passes
along, when, with one bound, it springs upon its back, and quickly
succeeds, by its own weight, and by tearing the veins and arteries
of the neck, in bringing it to the ground.

The youth stopped, and gazed upon the motionless beast, whose

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 115

half-shut eyes he could see winking at him. He lay extended
upon the limb, his forward feet spread out at full length, on which
rested his small round head, with little ears falling back almost
flat, his hind legs drawn up under his body, and his flexible tail
hanging a short distance beneath the bough. The dark reddish
color of the hair of his skin, dashed with blackish tints, harmon
ized and blended well with the hue of the bark, so that at a dis
tance, to an unpracticed eye, he appeared like a huge excrescence
on the tree, or a large butt of a branch that had lodged in its
fall.

The young man did not hesitate what to do. He had come
prepared for meeting with wild animals, and felt too much confi-.
dence in himself to fear the encounter. He approached so as to
be just without reach of the spring of the creature, and levelling
his piece, while he could see the cougar shut its eyes and cling
closer to the limb, fired. The sound of the gun rang through
the ancient forest, and in an instant the beast, jumping from the
limb, fell at his feet. So sudden was this, that Arundel had hard
ly time to withdraw the weapon from his shoulder, before the
animal had made the spring. The first impulse of the youth on
finding the ferocious brute thus near, was to club his gun and
strike it on the head ; and now he discovered that it was wound
ed in one of the forward legs, which hung helplessly down. But
the wound, instead of disabling or intimidating, only inflamed
the ferocity of the creature. It made repeated attempts to jump
upon its foe, which, in spite of the crippled condition of its leg
and the loss of blood, Arundel found it difficult to elude. Active
as he was, and though he succeeded occasionally in inflicting with
his hunting-knife a wound upon the beast, he soon began to sus
pect that, notwithstanding he had thus far escaped with some in
considerable scratches, the powers of endurance of the formidable
forest denizen were likely to exceed his own. The combat had
lasted some time, when, as the young man endeavored to avoid

116 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the leap of the panther by jumping to one side, his feet struck
against some obstacle and he fell upon his back. In an instant
the enraged beast, bleeding from its many wounds, was upon his
prostrate person, and his destruction appeared inevitable. With
a desperate effort, he struck with the hunting-knife at the pan
ther, who caught it in its mouth, the blade passing between its
jaws and inflicting a slight wound at the sides, so slight as not to
be felt, and stood with its unhurt paw upon his breast, powerless
to do mischief with the other, and glaring with eyes of flame
upon its victim. At the instant when the panther, shaking the
knife out of its mouth, was about to gripe, with open jaws, the
throat of the young man, it suddenly bounded with a cry into
the air, almost crushing the breath out of the body of its antag
onist, and giving him an opportunity to rise. When Arundel
stood upon his feet, he beheld the panther in the agonies of death —
an arrow sticking in one eye and an Indian striking it with a
tomahawk upon the head, for which great agility and quickness
were necessary in order to avoid the paw and teeth of the crea
ture in its dying struggles. These soon became less violent, until,
with a shudder, the limbs relaxed, and it lay motionless and
harmless.

Arundel now advanced to thank for his timely succor the In
dian, who stood quite still looking at him. He was apparently
less than thirty years of age, tall and well formed, with a counte
nance expressive of nobleness and generosity. His attire con
sisted only of breech-cloth and leggins, with no covering for the
upper part of his person — a garb offering fewest obstructions to
his movements through the forest. In his hand he held a bow ;
a quiver full of arrows was slung across his back ; the tomahawk
was returned to the girdle around his loins, and a knife hung by
a deer-sinew from his neck.

"The arrow was well aimed," said Arundel, "that saved my
life. How can I thank my brother 1"

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 117

"Waqua is satisfied," replied the Indian, in very imperfect
English, which we shall not attempt to imitate.

"You are my preserver," said Arundel, "and shall not find
the white man ungrateful."

"Enough," answered the Indian. "Let wild beasts find some
other food than men."

" It was a strong hand as well as true aim that sent this ar
row," said the young man, drawing the shaft out of the animal's
brain, in which the barbed point, coming off, remained behind,
" and I must furnish you at least another arrow."

" Waqua has plenty of arrows in his quiver, and can get
more."

" Thou art an independent fellow," exclaimed Arundel ; " but
there is one thing I have to offer thee which thou must accept —
that is, my hand, and it is a sign that I will be thy brother."

There was something in the action and expression of Arundel's
face that was irresistibly attractive to the Indian. He took the
offered hand into both of his and replied,

" Waqua gives his two hands to the white man. He loves
the white man, and the Great Spirit sent Waqua to protect his
brother."

" Thou hast established a claim to my friendship stronger
than often exists. Be sure we will be friends. My brother is
on a hunting path. What success has he ?"

" A deer," replied Waqua, stepping into a bush, returning
with the carcass on his shoulder, and throwing it upon the
ground.

" Is my brother's lodge distant ?"

" It would not tire a new born fawn to run the distance. My
white brother shall see the wigwam of Waqua, and rest his
limbs, and then Waqua will go with him to the lodges of the
white men at Shawmut."

It was yet early in the day. There was no need of hurry, and

118 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the wish of the Indian of itself was enough. It would have been
indeed ungracious to deny acquiescence to one who had just
saved his life, and Arundel therefore at once signified his as
sent. But before they started, the Indian with the knife which
he took from his neck, despoiled the panther of its skin. Throw
ing it then across his shoulders on top of the deer's carcass, he
led the way out of the path in a direction different from that in
which Arundel had been travelling.

It was truly as Waqua had said, and a few moments sufficed
to reach his habitation. It stood by itself, near the margin of
the Charles river, which empties into Massachusetts Bay, and
was merely a rough hunting lodge, made of bark, yet so con
structed as effectually to answer the purpose for which it was
designed during the milder months. Doubtless in winter it was
deserted for the more comfortable wigwam in the village.

Arrived at his dwelling, Waqua took down some skins sus
pended on one side, and spreading them upon the ground, cour
teously invited his companion to a seat. Arundel was glad to
rest after his late violent conflict, and availed himself of the
opportunity to brush off the dirt, and re-arrange his torn and
disordered dress. Meanwhile, Waqua kindled a fire, and cutting
off some bear steaks, threw them on the glowing coals. The
exercise and danger of Arundel had given him an appetite, and
with no little interest he watched the process. The meal was
soon ready, and justice done to it by both ; and upon its con
clusion, it became apparent that it was not on its account only
that Waqua had desired to return to his wigwam. It was also
to make some alteration in his toilette, therein betraying that
fondness for ornament which is equally active in the savage and
in the civilized exquisite. For the garments he had worn, others
were substituted of finer quality, and more showy appearance.
Over his shoulders was thrown a robe of beaver skins ; in his
hair were stuck some red feathers, and from his ears hung pen-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 119

dants carved out of bone, into a rude imitation of birds. Belts of
wampompeag encircled the arms above the elbow, and fell over
the robe, hanging clown the shoulders. The preparation was
completed by painting the cheeks and forehead vermillion. Thus
decorated, with bow in hand, an ornamented quiver on his back,
and tomahawk in girdle, Waqua considered himself fit to be pre
sented at any court in the world.

Nor when he advanced, conscious of the improvement in his
appearance, and stepping as though he were lord of the un
bounded wilderness, did Arundel attempt to conceal his admi
ration of the forest Apollo. Waqua remarked it in the other's
eyes, and a gleam of satisfaction lighted up his face. Throw
ing the deer he had killed over his shoulder, and taking a small
bundle of skins in his hand, the Indian preceded his companion
on their way to the settlement.

CHAPTER VIII.

" Absit, quoth the doctor."

DON QUIXOTE.

UPON arriving at the little town of Boston, Arundel made
the Indian promise to return to him at the ordinary or inn where
he had his quarters, after the furs and venison should be disposed
of. Waqua was glad to make the promise, and the two sepa
rated ; the one, directing his steps towards his lodging ; and the
other, to seek a purchaser for his commodities. Arundel was
anxious to express his gratitude, and, besides, was interested by
the talk of the child of the forest; while Waqua, on his part,
was evidently disposed to meet any advances.

Eleazar Nettles, the worthy host of the Ship-tavern,who stood
at the door of the low rambling building, welcomed his lodger
with all the cordiality he could throw into a face originally not
ill-looking or unpleasing, but which, in consequence of practising
an appearance of mortification, (in order to stand well with the
grave citizens), which neither belonged to the calling wherein he
was engaged, nor by nature to itself, seemed an odd mixture of
earthly depravity and of heavenly grace. Not that Eleazar was
a bad fellow. Nature had originally enclosed in his dumpy body
a good-humoured soul enough, and, in a less austere community,

122 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

where the bent of his disposition might have had fair play, he
would have been a rather jolly dog. He was, however, a victim
of fate. By what disastrous chance his lot was cast in that
grim-visaged region, has never been satisfactorily explained, but
being once in it, and a publican by profession, it was necessary to
conform to the habits and manners of those about him, unless he
desired to see his license taken away, and himself a suspected
person, as well as without employment. These prudential con
siderations contending with Eleazar's nature, had sobered the
otherwise mirthful features of his face, and made him present
the appearance of a merry and a sad man rolled into one, each
striving for the mastery, and each alternately achieving victory,
according to circumstances. The merry man was safe in the
presence of Arundel, and, therefore, his mouth dissolved into a
pleasant chuckle as he welcomed him.

" It is a joy and an honor, Master Arundel," he said, " to see
again a discreet young gentleman like yourself, whose spirits —
ahem ! — are lively as my own ale, and yet chastised by a godly
'havior. You must have had something of a walk this morning.
What refreshment may it please you to take ? "

While uttering this speech, he had been busy ushering into the
tap or common reception room the young man, who, by the time
it was finished, was seated.

" Thy guess hits the mark, mine host," he said; " but what is
fitting I leave to thy discretion. Thou shalt prescribe like a
physician."

i( Thou art a sweet-tempered gentleman, and easily satisfied,"
answered the host, " and I should be no better than a heathen
salvage to abuse thy goodness. To begin, I have some of the
famosest malt liquor that ever ran down throat with a relish."

" Avaunt, with thy detestable malt liquors. You inveigled
me once into tasting the decoction, and methinks that should
satisfy thee, if not me. Thou wilt hardly succeed a second

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 123

time. It will never do. Thy cellar contains something better,
to my knowledge."

" As you say," replied the landlord, (whose habit was to re
commend his ale to those who he knew would not take it,
in order, perhaps, to make his wines taste the better, by
consideration of the contrast) — " as you say, Master Arundel, my
malt liquor, though the best in the country, is not for high-bred
gentlemen like yourself. I have Spanish wines, and French
wines, and wines from Italy, and from the Canaries, and " —

" Any will do," said Arundel, knowing that a single kind was
made to play the part of vintages from all parts of the world ;
" so be prompt, good man, for my thirst increases."

While the publican, whose business was not sufficiently large
to warrant him to employ a tapster, was absent, Arundel looked
round the apartment to see what company was present. At no
great distance from where he sat were half-a-dozen persons, some
of whom, by their dress, seemed to be sailors, and others citizens.
As he turned to look at them, two or three,who were his acquaint
ances, saluted him ; and the conversation, which his entrance had
a little interrupted, flowed again with a full current.
* " A queer bit of a town, good-man Fairweather, the saints
have built up for themselves," exclaimed a man in a sailor's
jacket. " Do you know what it looks like to me ? "

" How should I know, Capt, Sparhawk, how Boston looks to
you ?" answered the man addressed.

" That depends upon the strength of the liquor, methinks," said
a third.

" That answer, Billy Pantry," said the Captain, " for a lubber
that knows not the difference between the futtock shrouds and
Jacob's ladder, and whose head is so little and his paunch so
big, is what my old schoolmaster called a Lucy — Lucy — damn
the other part of the name — there I miss stays, by Neptune ! —
anyhow, it begun with a Nat, but there was more of it."

124 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Natwood," suggested Billy Pantry. " I know a Polly Nat-
wood in Suffolk, one of the completest wenches" —

" If she was not completer than thy wit," interrupted the Cap
tain, " her figure-head was left unfinished. But, avast there ; we
are drifting off soundings. Where was 1 1 Aye ; belay, I have it.
I was telling you what your beggarly town looks like."

" Aye, but about Lucy," said another, who had not spoken be
fore, and whose perception looked dimly out of his hazy eyes !
" I should like to hear first about her. I always liked the wo
men."

"Hear old Wheat," cried the Captain — " the wicked villain.
All the knowledge he has of the women, I'll be qualified on the
main brace, is what he got from Betty Quickfist when she hit
him a cuff on the ear for his impudence, and twisted it out o'
shape, as ye may see without taking a quadrant for the observa
tion."

" Why," said Billy Pantry, turning his mess-mate's head about,
" his two ears are much alike, and, as you say, Captain, lop dam
nably ; so he must have caught it on both of them, though this
one here, away to windward, looks as if it had been cut off and
stuck on again."

"Shut up your duff-trap," said Wheat, gruffly, "or I'll send
your teeth on a cruise down your throat."

" Come, come," cried the Captain, " I choose to do all the
quarreling for this company. How now, my masters, is there to
be no discipline when my foot is off the quarter-deck ? If an
other man speaks above his breath, by the beard of father Nep
tune, I will stop his grog. Where was I ? Let me take the lat
itude once more. Aye, here away bearing up to tell how I liked
this prig of a town."

" Blast my tarry top-lights and to'gallant eyebrows. Do you
call this a town ?" demanded Bill. "Folk does not call a thing
like this a town in old Hingland."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 125

" Aye, old England forever," cried the Captain, standing up.
" Boys, fill your cups all round, and we will drink a health to
our dear old mammy."

" I should like to pleasure you, Captain," said one of the citi
zens, " and will drink in all reason till sundown, but there is a
law against drinking healths."

"I suppose there will be a law next," exclaimed the Captain,
" against eating, and that will finish the job. The rest of you
may do as you like, but Jack Sparhawk never yet was afraid of
any man, and is not going now to strike his peak to Admiral
Winthrop. So here's a toast for ye :

" ' Prosperity to England's friends !

Perdition to her foes !
Heaven to herself ! to hell she sends
All Spaniards and Crapeaus ! ' "

Saying this, he drained his cup. " And now, boys, about this
little starched old maid of a town "

" There you are, in a fog, Captain," interrupted Pantry. " How
can it be an old maid, when, on every tack, half a dozen chil
dren, like so many porpoises, come across your bowsf

" Any wit but thine own would easily box that compass," an
swered the Captain. " But talking is thirsty business, and we
will have up another bottle. Halloa, old Nettletop, bear a hand
with some more of your weak-waters. What do you stand gap
ing there for, like a chicken with the pip ? Oif with you. And
now, while old Thistle is rummaging the locker, I will give you
my mind about this matter of "

But, alas ! an incident now occurred which has deprived pos
terity forever of the invaluable opinion of Captain Sparhawk re
specting the appearance of Boston in 16 — , and of his explana
tion of the phenomenon suggested by Bill.

Some five or ten minutes before, a grave looking personage,
with a long staff in his hand, had stolen quietly into the room,

126 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

unnoticed by any one but Arundel — the landlord being absent at
the time — and taken a seat where he could overhear the conver
sation. Upon mine host's return, and noticing the stranger, he
exhibited some embarrassment, and endeavored to catch the at
tention of the drinking party without attracting that of the new
comer. His efforts, however, were in vain, and assuming an air
of deep mortification, he waited for what should happen. Upon
being required by the Captain to supply more wine, he had shaken
his head, which it seems was not taken much notice of by the
sailor, and was preparing to reply, when he was anticipated by
the stranger. Lifting up his staff, and pointing with it at the ta
ble, he said,

" Furnish no more strong liquor, good man Nettles, to these
carousers. Methinks they have already had more than enough
for their souls' or bodies1 health."

"I will not gainsay thee, master Prout," said the host, " and
will obey, as becometh a man who respects thee and thine office ;
but the wine is good and can do no harm, as thou mayest convince
thyself by trial. I will pour thee out a cup."

" Nay," said Master Prout, " I need it not. I do stand amaz
ed," he added, bending his brows severely on the host, " that
thou, a man professing godliness, and one of the congregation,
shouldst administer to the carnal appetite till the graceless sinner
is converted into a swine."

" Dear Master Prout, be not so hard on a friend. I knew not
the strength of my wine, or that these strangers were so unac
customed to drinking. The wine hath been but lately bought,
being part of the cargo of the Abstemious, and thou knowest I
indulge not, else I should have been acquainted with its potency,
and regulated things accordingly. But thou seest the six have
drunk only so many poor bottles."

" Enough, goodman Nettles," answered Prout. " Remove,
now, these incitements to temptation, and after that will I drop
a word of friendly advisement into the ears of these offenders."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 127

During this conversation a profound silence had prevailed at
the table — the three citizens recognising in the intruder one whose
authority it would be folly to resist, and the sailors apparently
confounded at the boldness of the interference, and curious to
hear what should pass between the landlord and his dictatorial
visitor. But when mine host, in obedience to an order from the
latter, began to take away the bottles and cups, Captain Spar-
hawk, who had sat leaning on his elbow upon the table and eye
ing the two, now seemed to think that his dignity required some
interference on his part.

"How now, my masters," he exclaimed. "What coil is this?
Are we to be boarded in this piratical way, and see all our stores
and provisions captured without a blow ^ Run up the red cross,
Wheat. Call all hands to repel boarders, and follow me."

" Cease thy papistical babble ; it doth vex my soul more even
than thy drunkenness," cried Master Prout.

" Papist in thy teeth and drunkenness to boot," exclaimed the
excited captain, at the same time striking at Master Prout, who,
however, easily eluded the blow of the intoxicated man.

The other two sailors now manifested some intention of com
ing to the assistance of their superior, but were held back by the
citizens, and restrained, moreover, by a knowledge of the formi
dable power of Master Prout, who was well known as a sort of
censor or guardian of the morals of the place, appointed by the
magistrates.

" Keep quiet, man," said Prout, pushing the obstreperous cap
tain back into his seat, " or thy mazzard and my staff may be
come better acquainted than will be altogether agreeable. Do
thou hold him, good man Nettles, as being in some wise account
able for his condition. So shalt thou, also, partake of the savory
crumbs of advice which it is my intention to bestow on this man
of Belial and his companions."

Master Prout, thereupon drawing a chair, placed it immedi-

128 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE,

ately in front of the captain, and seated himself, while mine host
held the delinquent fast. The functionary paid no attention
whatever to the exclamations and ejaculations of the sailor, which,
furious at first, gradually died away until they ceased entirely,
but went on steadily with his speech.

" Thou art a stranger," he said, " and therefore am I the more
disposed to overlook thy transgression, seeing that thou art not
acquainted with the manners of the godly town of Boston, and art
not yet prepared to realize thy privilege in being permitted to visit
it. Moreover, I see by thy garments and speech that thou art one
of those who go down to the sea in ships, and who, though they
behold the wonders of the deep, are, for the most part, unaffected
by the mighty works of Him at whose word the stormy wind
ariseth, or at His rebuke chasteneth itself into a calm. But thou
art a man having within thee an immortal soul, and my spirit is
troubled exceedingly, and my bowels are like to burst within me,
when I behold thee given over to folly. Hearken thou, for my
lips shall utter judgment, and thine ears shall drink in under
standing.

" Behold here, in this Boston, have godly fugitives from op
pression, men whose faces are set as steel against all evil, set up
their habitations, to be an enduring city unto the Lord ; and,
within our borders, may no scoffer or profane person, as was
Esau, nor riotous liver, abide. But the necessities of our position
do in some wise constrain us, for trade and other useful purposes,
to allow communication with them who are not of our way of
thinking. Therefore do we grant unto them free entrance, for
a time, into our Canaan, sobeit they observe the limits of decent
moderation, and vex not our souls beyond Christian patience,
hoping, moreover, that, seeing our righteous example, they may be
converted from their evil ways, and trusting that the Lord will
preserve us from defilement. But we hold not ourselves bound
to tolerate rioting and drunkenness, which are not convenient.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 129

but contrariwise, to restrain them by the sword of the magistrate,
if need be. Of both these thou art, unhappily, guilty, inasmuch
as thou didst forget where thou art, and wert mindful only of
the customs of thy heathen companions at home ; and were I ex
treme to mark what is done amiss, surely thy punishment were
heavy. But this is thy first offence, and I hope will be thy last ;
therefore say I unto thee, go and sin no more, especially as thy
fault is not of public notoriety, and goodman Nettles and thy
friends, for their own sakes and this good youth (turning to Arun
del) and myself, to avoid scandal, will keep silence thereupon.
I pass over thy rude and silly speeches as proceeding not from
thyself, but from the evil spirit of wine that mastered and made
a fool of thee. Henceforward, while remembering our mercy,
dread our justice, shouldst thou be tempted a second time to of
fend."

Having thus spoken, Master Prout rose, and deliberately
clapping his steeple-crowned hat upon his head, stalked demurely
out of the apartment, satisfied that after his rebuke the company
would be unable to obtain any more strong potations. Ih this
supposition he tvas perfectly correct — goodman Nettles too
thoroughly understanding his own interest and the character of
the man to venture to disobey him ; for though Master Prout felt
friendly tq the publican, as was evident, there were some things
he would not overlook, and no offence could be committed more
heinous than disregarding his orders. Captain Sparhawk, who
toward the close of the Puritan's address, had been subdued into
a most unwilling silence, manifested, as soon as it was finished, a
desire to reply ; but the host placed his hand on the recusant's
mouth, and compelled him to be silent.

" Art mad *?" he whispered. " Dost wish to ruin me, and
have thine ears nailed to the whipping-post, and perhaps cut off?
Remember thou art at Boston, and not in old England. Here, men
drink in a godly manner, and use the gifts of Providence as not

6

130 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

abusing them, and not like blinded papists, or as some say, like
them of the Church of England ; but I am more liberal, as
becomes one of my profession. Be thankful for the clemency of
Master Prout, a worthy man, and a considerate, whose advice is
like silver nails driven in by the master of assemblies."

Thus continued, in this strain, the astute landlord, until Master
Prout had left the house, and was out of hearing, when he re
leased the captain, and allowed him liberty of speech.

If the publican had expected a burst of angry language from
the sailor, he was agreeably disappointed. So far from venting
his feelings in that way, the worthy captain seemed now to con
sider all that had happened as a capital joke, and broke out in
a hearty laugh.

" Queer country, my men, this," he said, (l where a meddle
some tipstaff will not let a true-blooded Englishman pay toll to
his Majesty's excise. But old Sour-chops is gone, and we will
have 'tother bottle now to drink better manners to him ; so bear
a hand, Nettle, Thistle, or whatever you call yourself."

" I dare not give you more wine for the present," said the
host. " Master Prout's authority is absolute in this matter, and
not a drop from spigot or bottle runs on your account. Be
reasonable, noble captain," he continued, seeing that the sailor
was disposed to insist on his demand, " and consider that in
refusing thee, I do in some sort prejudice myself for our mutual
benefit."

Here the companions of the captain interfering, and the citi
zens, in particular, insisting that on no account would they drink
more, the refractory Sparhawk, after some growls at the " queer
country," was obliged to submit, and soon after, paying the
reckoning, took leave with his company.

The scene was not altogether new to Arundel, who had looked
on with amused interest. It was not the first time when he had
seen the official in the exercise of his somewhat arbitrary au-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 131

thority, order away, like the physician of Sancho Pan/.a in his
famous government of Barrataria, the goblet, just as it was about
to be carried to the lips of the expecting guest. He had before
laughed at the stare of bewildered disappointment of the
astonished toper, and the subdued humor of Master Prout, hardly
concealed by his austere exterior, but he felt no disposition to
censure the severity of the regulation. It was of the utmost im
portance, as well for the peace and good order of the colony, as
in accordance with the principles of self-denial and virtuous
living on which it was founded, that every disorder should be
checked in the bud. Considering the variety of adventurers, of
all shades of character, from the religious enthusiast, seeking in
unknown regions, invested with strange charms by a heated
imagination, the kingdom of saints upon earth, which he
had vainly hoped to erect in the old world, down to the reck
less freebooter, whose life had been passed in wild indulgence,
unrestrained by law, human or divine, whom chance or design
had thrown upon their coast, it is obvious that a vigilant eye
and-strong hand were necessary to note and repress every in
cipient sign of irregularity or turbulence.

Yet did the host sigh as he dropped into a seat at the de
parture of the company. With one eye fixed upon a heavenly
and the other on an earthly treasure, he was counting up in his
mind the crowns he had lost by the intrusion of Master Prout,
and at the same time lamenting the depravity of men who could
bear no more than a bottle of wine apiece.

" Master Arundel," he said at length, " I do admire the wis
dom — ahem — of the worshipful magistrates in the care they take
of the citizens and visitors of our godly town. By the ap
pointment of Master Prout to the office which he doth some
times exercise with somewhat of rigor, they do, too, in a manner
avouch the value of my calling, and their desire to countenance
it, and that in agreement with Scripture, for is it not written

132 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

that He hath given wine to gladden man's heart ? Nevertheless,
methinks, being one of the congregation, a modicum might be
left to mine own judgment in regard to the capacity of my
guests. Not that I care about the two or three pieces whereof his
interference hath deprived me — ahem — but the feelings of godly
men who know best what is good for them, are hurt needlessly
oftentimes. The wine is good, as can be proved by our own
virtuous citizens, who have not injured themselves by early
rioting, and are able, as a reward of their youthful temperance,
to drink twice as much as this Captain Sparhawk, who hath
probably, in a measure, injured his constitution by indulgence
in bad liquors. Man is truly a fallen creature," concluded
goodman Nettles, heaving a deep sigh, — " ahem — or such wine
could never affect him."

Arundel felt no inclination to discuss the subject, and soon
retired to his apartment.

CHAPTER IX.

" With wild surprise,
As if to marble struck, devoid of sense,
A stupid moment motionless."

THOMSON'S SEASONS.

A COUPLE of hours elapsed before Waqua made his appearance,
after disposing of his skins and venison. He had exchanged
them for such articles as his savage taste fancied, among which
Arundel noticed a small mirror, in a brass frame, hung like a
medal on his breast, and a red woollen sash tied around his
waist. As the Indian, thus bedecked, entered the room, it was
with an increase of dignity becoming one possessed of such
splendid ornaments, whereat, however, Arundel found it difficult
to repress a smile. But it was important to the maintenance of
their new friendship that no such levity should be perceived,
which might have aroused the resentment of the savage. Sup
pressing then the feeling, and regarding his tawny friend with a
face of welcome, the young man said :

" You look bravely, Sachem ; it is a pity the Indian girls do
not see you."

" They will see," said the Indian, " when Waqua returns to
his village. Look," he continued, presenting the mirror to
Arundel, and, unable to conceal his admiration, " it is a still
spring in an open plain."

134: THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" You will not be obliged now to leave the wigwam and seek
the clear water when you wish to paint your face."

"Waqua thanks the white man," said the Indian, gazing
admiringly at himself in the mirror, " for the clear frozen
water which he can carry with him wherever he goes. Waqua
will never more be alone, for whenever he pleases he may look
into the bright frozen water and see a warrior. Let me behold
my brother in the wonderful medicine."

He held up the glass to Arundel, and laughed, as he saw the
reflection.

" My brother's face is now in the frozen water," he said,
" and Whenever I look into it, I shall see my brother as well as
Waqua."

"And trust me, Waqua, that I will be a true friend unto
thee. I do begin to think that the extraordinary liking of the
knight for thy race is not misplaced."

" Speaks my brother of Soog-u-gest, of the white chief who
lives away from his people in the forest ?"

" I speak of the Knight of the Golden Melice, of him whom
the Indians call Soog-u-gest, or the eagle. I had left his lodge
but a short time when Heaven sent thee to my aid."

" The tall, white chief, men say, is not like other white men.
He loves the forest children, and they love him."

" Love begets love, and one noble quality attracts another.
But it is my turn, Waqua, to show you hospitality ; and to a
strong, healthy fellow like you, dinner, methinks, can never come
amiss."

The meal which, upon the order of Arundel, was served up,
seemed to meet with the unqualified approbation of the Indian.
Yet this is an inference derived, not from the manner in which
he partook of the repast, but from the quantity which he ate.
Although unacquainted with the mode of using a knife and fork,
and, therefore, compelled to depend upon the instruments fur-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 135

nished by nature, there was nothing in his conduct that resem
bled ill-breeding. He accepted, with a grave courtesy, whatever
was offered, eating deliberately, and expressing no preference for
one thing over another. His entertainer fancied that, from time
to time, he cast a stolen glance, as if watching motions in order
to accommodate himself to them. However that may be, the
young white man was greatly pleased with the untutored po
liteness of his red companion, and desirous to please him in all
respects, did not deny his guest the stimulus of strong water ;
taking care, nevertheless, that the wine drunk should be in too
small quantities to affect him injuriously. Of this, Waqua par
took with peculiar zest, and it is fortunate that he had one more
prudent than himself to stop him before temperate indulgence
became excess. For so. great is the delight which the Indian
temperament derives from the use of intoxicating drinks, that it
is difficult to regulate the appetite. Brought up without much
self-control, if civilization be taken as a standard, — regardless of
the past, heedless of the future, and mindful only of the present,
— the wild child of nature quaffs with eager joy the fire-water,
which seems to bring him inspiration, and to extend the bounds
of existence.

" Waqua knows," said the savage, holding up his cup at the
end of the meal, " that the Great Spirit loves his white children
very much, else never would he have given them the dancing
fire-water that streams through me like the sun through morning
clouds."

" Beware," said Arundel, " that it be not more like the light
ning, which marks its path with destruction. But, Waqua, come
thou now with me. I saw no red cloth in thy lodge, and there
was but little paint in thy pot, and I know where there is
plenty."

" My brother is an open hand, and will make Waqua's wig
wam as gay as the breast of the Gues-ques-kes-cha."

136 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

With these words, the Indian followed Arundel into the street,
walking in his tracks, and the two pursued their way in the di
rection of one of the principal store-houses.

The street led directly by the house of the Assistant Spikeman,
and, as they passed, the eyes of the young man were busy, as
was natural, to discover traces of his mistress. Nor was he
doomed to disappointment. As he came opposite, a casement
opened, a small white hand was thrust out, and beckoned to hini'
Thus invited, Arundel stepped within the door, whither he was
followed by the savage. In those days, the simple forest children
thought there was no harm in asking for a hospitality they were
ever ready to grant themselves, and which they considered a duty ;
nor inasmuch as they never attempted to take away anything by
violence, but thankfully accepted whatever was offered to them,
were their visits generally discouraged. Indeed, the importance of
treating them with indulgence was sedulously inculcated by both
elders and magistrates^ as being conducive to their own security
as well as from higher motives. The expediency of such conduct
was so obvious that few were found to disregard it. Hence the
Indians, on their visits to the settlement, were accustomed, if they
wanted food, or to enter the houses for any other purpose, to step
in with the same freedom almost as into their own wigwams. If
now and then a circumstance occurred inconsistent with the
sacred duty of hospitality, it was not considered as reflecting
disgrace upon the whole community, but only on the sordid churl
who was the occasion of it, and whose domicile was ever after
wards carefully avoided.

The young man and his dusky companion were met by Pru
dence, who, while conducting them into a room, whispered :

" Why, Master Miles, who expected to see you ? People said
you was ever so far away in the woods, living with bears and
wolves. Have you got one here ?"

" Poh, poh ! pretty Prudence, no one hath better reason to

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 137

look for me than thyself, seeing thy message brought me. As for
my copper friend, he is the gentlest savage that ever took a scalp.
Do not be frightened, and clap thy hand on thy head : he will
none of thine. But thy mistress, where is she ? "

" I declare, Master Miles, you have scared almost all the
breath out of my body. Oh ! how my heart beats ! Follow me
quick, for I want to get out of the way."

" Waqua will wait for his brother here," said the young man,
turning to his follower, whose eyes he noticed were fastened on
a full length portrait hanging on the wall ; " for which reason,"
he added, " and, during my absence, may make acquaintance
with the venerable ancestor of Master Spikeman, who hath fol
lowed his descendant's fortunes across the sea."

He waited for no reply, such was his impatience to see his
mistress ; but, preceded by Prudence, hastily left the apartment,
and was ushered into the presence of the young lady.

One who saw Eveline Dunning would never have wondered
that her lover had followed her to the new world. She was one
of those charming beings who are irresistibly attractive — whom
to behold is to love, and whose presence " clothes the meanest
thing in light." Her features were regular, her complexion del
icate and brilliant, her eyes blue and sparkling, and her hair of a
rich brown. Those blue eyes were commonly calm and soft,
though there were times when they could kindle up and flash,
and the full red lips became compressed, hinting at an energy of
character which required only circumstances to call it forth into
exercise. Her person was of the ordinary height, and most per
fectly formed, and she moved with a grace which only faultless
proportions and high breeding can impart.

" My Eveline, my best and my dearest," said Arundel, im
printing a kiss upon the blushing cheek she nevertheless offered
him, even before the considerate Prudence had retired, shutting
the door after her, " how blessed am I, once more to breathe the
air sweetened by thy breath."

6*

138 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

He led her to a seat, and, retaining her hand, sat down by her
side.

" And how dearly I love to have thee near me, Miles," she
answered; "the perils I make thee encounter for my sake too
plainly tell."

" Nay, sweet, the danger is only in thy imagination. Con
scious that the right is on our side, we may defy Master Spike-
man and all his wicked devices, certain that we shall yet triumph
over them."

" Would that I felt thy confidence, but sometimes I am quite
sad."

"Dearest Eveline, why thus cast down?" exclaimed Arun-
del, looking at her anxiously and kissing off a tear. " Has anything
happened 1 What makes thee unhappy ? Of what art afraid ?"

" Not cast down, not unhappy, not afraid, Miles, but anxious
on thy account, and weary of imprisonment. My jailer hath
lately dropped some threats respecting thee which have filled me
with apprehension, and it was in consequence of my grief thereat,
and of something I said, that Prudence, without my knowledge,
sent thee a message, as she afterwards told me."

" And I hope thou art not angry with her for being the cause
of my present happiness ?"

" I feel not like chiding her or any one," answered Eveline,
smiling, " but would speak seriously during the few moments we
are together. Oh ! Miles, I have it from a sure hand, (though
thou must not inquire thereafter), that Master Spikeman is en
deavoring to poison the minds of the Governor and of the Assist
ants with false reports against thee, such as that thou art disaf
fected against the government. Oh ! Miles, be prudent ; for if
anything were to happen to thee it would make me very un
happy."

"The lying varlet! the cozening knave!" exclaimed. the young
man, indignantly. " So this is the way whereby he designs to ac-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 139

romplish his purpose! But I defy his machinations. I have an
advantage over him whereof he knows not. "

" What is that, Miles? " inquired Eveline, seeing that he hes
itated.

" He, whose the right is, hath every advantage over him in
the wrong," answered her lover, rather evasively ; " but would
that I could persuade thee to cut the Gordian knot and put an
end to this torturing suspense, by flying with me, and giving me a
lawful right to be thy protector according to the wishes of thy
father."

" Cease, Miles, and do not importune me in a matter wherein
the impulses of my heart make me but too ready to forget the
suggestions of prudence."

" But how long mean you to submit to this unjust violence?"

" I know not. Be assured, however, that nothing but dire
necessity shall induce me to take a step, the thought of which
burns my cheeks with blushes."

"Do you distrust me, Eveline?" said Arundel, reproachfully.

" No ; but it becomes Eveline Dunning ; it becomes one whom
thou hast thought worthy to be sought for across a stormy ocean ;
it becomes the descendant of a long line of honorable ancestors ;
it becomes a woman, whether in the thickly peopled city or in
the wilderness, among strangers or with her own kindred, to avoid
even the appearance of evil. Much will I endure, and long will
I bear my thraldom, before I will allow the thought of such a
mode of deliverance to harbor in my mind."

" My judgment tells me thou art right, Eveline, however much
my heart rebels ; but is there no emergency which can make thee
cast off this slavery?"

" None such has arisen, and whatever difficulties may harrass
me, I hope to be equal to them."

" And years, long years, may drag along with weary feet, while
we are wasting our youth in hopeless sighs over the tyranny of

140 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

a heartless villain, lingering in this dreary land, where a smile is
a vanity and a light heart a crime."

" Does it pain thee so much," inquired Eveline, half reproach
fully, " to remain in the wilderness ?"

" Nay, lovely one, where thou art is no wilderness, but a par
adise. Hither I came, attracted by the love that binds my soul
to thine, and this land will I never leave alone. A cabin with
thee in these wilds were better than a palace ungraced by thy
presence,"

" I thank thee, Miles, and thy words strengthen my courage.
So long as thou feelest thus, I cannot be unhappy. But shouldst
thou ever change ; shouldst thou weary of the delays and vexa
tions which thy love for Eveline Dunning cloth impose, hesitate
not to avow it, and thou shalt be free, though my heart break in
bidding thee farewell."

" Eveline, dearest Eveline," cried her lover, catching her to his
bosom, " how canst thou speak thus ? He who hath found heav
en will never voluntarily resign it."

But why pursue a discourse which can have but little interest
except for the speakers ? The reader will suppose the further
conversation which would naturally take place between two
young persons in their situation. Owing to the vigilance of
Spikeman, it was a long time (so at least it seemed to them) since
they had met, and the interview was sweeter for that reason.
While the precious moments are flitting by them unheeded, let
us return to Waqua.

The Indian was so absorbed in the contemplation of the por
trait, that he paid no attention to the jesting observation made
by Arundcl as he left the room, but continued motionless, gazing
fixedly upon it. It represented a man of middle age, of a stern
and somewhat forbidding countenance, standing with the open
palm of the right hand thrown forward, as if he were addressing
the spectator. It was exceedingly well done, — so graceful was

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 141

the attitude, so boldly stood out the figure, so admirable was the
coloring, so illusive the air of life. It was the first portrait that
Waqua had seen, and he very naturally mistook it for a living
person.

Seeing, as he supposed, a man with eyes fastened on him,
standing in an attitude soliciting attention, and as if only wait
ing until the conversation between those who entered should
cease, to address him, Waqua, with instinctive politeness, had
stopped, and looking full at the painting, awaited the speech.
He was somewhat surprised and scandalized, under the circum
stances, at the garrulity of his companions, and, to confess the
truth, Arundel sunk considerably in his estimation. However,
he made all allowances for the rude manners of the whites and
differences of customs, though hardly restrained by such consider
ations from uttering a rebuke for the others' want of respect to
age, and to the master of the house, for whom he took the pic
ture. As, after Arundel and the girl left the apartment, the
figure remained standing, with eyes fastened on Waqua, and his
hand continually extended, the Indian, considering it an invitation
to be seated, sat down in a chair. He expected now to be ad
dressed, and modestly dropping his eyes waited for what should
be said. Thus sat Waqua, until, surprised at the continued si
lence of the other, he raised his eyes, and beheld him still in the
same position, with lips partly open, yet emitting no sound. The
situation of the Indian now became more and more embarrassing,
and he hesitated what course to pursue. Greatly perplexed, he
turned the matter over and over, until finally he reached the con
clusion that this was a mode of welcome among the white men,
and that the politeness of the other kept him silent, in order that
the visitor should first take up the word, in which opinion he
was confirmed by the sedate and unmoved expression of the face.
With such a notion occupying his mind, he rose from his seat,
and throwing the beaver robe a little off the right shoulder to

112 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

allow opportunity for gesticulation, he stood before the picture,
and after a moment of grave thought addressed it.

"Waqua," he said, "is a young man, and ashamed to speak
first in the presence of his elder ; but the customs of the white
men are very different from those of their red brethren, and per
haps among his white brothers the young men speak first that
their folly may appear. Because he thinks his white brother
desires him to speak, he will make a very little speech."

"The silent chief (so he called the picture, not knowing what
other name to use) knows that Waqua is a friend, because he sees
him in company with the white man who went away with the
chief's daughter with the strawberry lips. Waqua only asks
the hospitality of the silent chief, and permision to remain in
his lodge till his friend returns."

Thus having spoken, Waqua gathered up his robe upon his
shoulder, and awaited a reply.

But in vain. Still the figure preserved silence, and maintained
the same immovable attitude, gazing on him with eyes from which
there was no escaping, and which seemed to pierce into his soul.
The uneasiness of Waqua increased. He felt no fear, but a con
fusion of thought which threatened to obscure entirely his facul
ties. The idea crossed his mind that the man was dumb, but that
accounted only for the silence. Why the immobility? If he
were dumb, at least he could walk, for well-formed limbs were
visible. But the man was quite still, not even winking, only
fastening his eyes steadfastly on his own. To the excited imag
ination of the Indian, the eyes began to assume a deeper stern
ness, and he found it more and more difficult to withdraw his
own. Suddenly, a thought darted through his mind, which made
him shiver all over, and spring from his seat. The idea of fasci
nation caused the start. He had more than once beheld the
black snake extended ori the ground, charming, -with his glittering
eyes the anguished bird which, with fainter and fainter screams,

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 143

striving to delay a fate it could not escape, kept flying round and
round in constantly diminishing circles, until it fell into the jaws
of the destroyer. The same fatal influence he had seen exercised
upon rabbits and other small game, the prey of the snake, and he
did not doubt that a like fascination was attempted to be prac
ticed on himself, and that the man was a conjurer. The thought
threw him into a rage, and he determined to take vengeance for
the insult. Drawing, therefore, his tomahawk from his girdle
and brandishing it over his head, he exclaimed,

" Waqua is a warrior, and not a bird to be made weak by a
white medicine."

But before the enraged Indian could cast the weapon from
his hand, he felt his arm suddenly arrested, and, turning, beheld
the laughing face of Prudence Rix.

" Stop, stop !" cried the girl, hardly able to speak for merri
ment ; " what are you going to do? It is not a man, but only a
painting."

It is not probable that the Indian perfectly comprehended the
explanation of Prudence, who, in spite of her affected fears, had
been, without his knowledge, an amused spectator of his conduct ;
but her interposition had the effect to prevent any violence, espe
cially, as upon looking again at the portrait, he felt no longer the
awe which had oppressed him, and therefore knew that the charm
had lost its power. He lowered the tomahawk to his side, and
addressed himself to her.

" What white man ever entered the wigwam of Waqua and
was not invited to a seat on his mat 1 Who can say that Waqua
fastened his eyes on him like a snake f

"But see," said the girl, advancing to the portrait, and passing
her hand over its surface ; " it is nothing but a cunning painting.
Come and satisfy thyself."

Waqua complied, in part, with Prudence's invitation, feeling
some contempt for a man who would permit such an indignity ;

144 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELTCE.

and advancing to the picture regarded it with keen and inquisi
tive glances. He refused, however, to touch the figure, until Pru
dence, taking his hand in hers, placed it on the canvas. But no
sooner did he feel the flat surface, than, uttering a cry of aston
ishment, he leaped backward, almost overturning Prudence in
his haste, keeping his eyes on the picture, and ejaculating twice
or thrice the expression, " Ugh !"

" What a simple saivage thou art," exclaimed Prudence. "I
tell thee it cannot bite. It can neither hear nor see, and thou
art a man to be scared by it !"

The Indian felt the taunt, conveyed quite as much in the tone
as in the words, and without replying, but as if to show that he
was above the feeling of fear, holding the tomahawk in one hand,
he passed the other over the whole surface, as far as he could
reach, winding up the achievement with eyes wild with wonder,
and snorting out divers astonished " ughs !"

CHAPTER X.

" Burned Marmion's swarthy cheek like fire,
And shook his very frame for ire,
And—' this to me !'— he said."

MARMIOIT

AT this moment the Assistant Spikeman entered the room.
His advance had been so noiseless that it was unobserved by
either the girl or the Indian, so entirely were they engrossed by
the adventure of the portrait.

" Whom have we here ?" he exclaimed. " Methinks, Pru
dence, there are other parts of the dwelling more fit for such
visitors."

" I desired to see," said the girl, evasively, " how a savage
would act who never had beholden a painting. There is no
great harm in that," she added, pouting.

" And doubtless he mistook it for a live man. Master Van
dyke had skill, I trow, to deceive more learned eyes than those
of a wild Indian. But, Prudence, thou knowest that I mean
not to chide thee. Far different words arise spontaneously to
my lips. But go, now, and I will pay the honors to thy red
friend."

" He is no more friend of mine than 1 hope all the world are
my friends," answered the girl, glad to get away to acquaint the
lovers that Spikeman was in the house.

146 THE KNIGHT OF THE' GOLDEN MELICE.

" I wish," she muttered, as she closed the door, though not so
loud as to be overheard, " that some folk were not so great
friends of mine."

" Have my people given my friend anything to eat ?" inquired
the Assistant, on the departure of the girl.

" Waqua is not hungry," answered the Indian. " His white
brother has fed him until he has no place for more."

"What thinks Waqua of the painted man1?" asked the As
sistant, observing that the eyes of the savage wandered every
now and then to the painting.

"It is a great medicine," replied the Indian, noticing with
admiration the resemblance between it and the Assistant, (whose
father's portrait it was.) " My brother loved his father very
much, and so, before he was called to the spirit land, my brother
put him on a board, even as white men put faces in frozen water.
But my brother is wiser, because he makes his father stay on the
board, instead of disappearing like faces in frozen water."

" My brother is right," said the Assistant, not unwilling to
avail himself of an opportunity to impress on the mind of the
savage the superiority of the whites ; " but he has seen little of
the wisdom of the white man. It is a light thing to put a man
upon a board, though at the same time he may be in the spirit
land. It is wonderful to Waqua, but a white child understands
it. If Waqua remains the friend of the white man, greater and
more wonderful things shall he learn."

" Waqua is an Indian, with an Indian head, and he is afraid
it is not big enough to hold all these things. It makes his head
ache to think of them."

" My brother's head will grow. But will he follow me now
into another part of my dwelling ?"

The Indian made a gesture of assent, and the Assistant pre
ceding him, the two went in the direction of the room where
were Arundel and Eveline.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 147

Prudence, when she left Spikeman and Waqua together, had
rushed in upon the lovers to apprise them of the Assistant's
presence. The proud spirit of the young man revolted somewhat
at the idea of stealing out of the house like a felon, and a little
time was spent before the expostulations of Prudence and the
entreaties of Eveline could prevail. And when he rose to leave,
some time longer was consumed in tender leave-takings, which,
though they seemed instants to the lovers, were lengthened
almost into hours to the anxious waiting-maid. Hence it hap
pened that when the door was opened, Arundel was confronted
by the Assistant. Surprise and indignation were both expressed
in the countenance of Spikeman, as he demanded to what cir
cumstance he was indebted for the honor of the young man's
company.

" Master Spikeman knows," answered Arundel, " without any
averment on my part, that I came not to see him."

" It needs no declaration of thine to assure me of that," said
Spikeman.

" I do nought," said Arundel, " which I will not avouch by
both deeds and words. Plainly, I came to see Mistress Eveline
Dunning, and strange indeed would it be, were I in this strange
land to avoid her presence."

" Speak out the whole truth," said Spikeman, with rising pas
sion, and avow that like a thief thou didst steal in to corrupt the
affections of my ward, and teach her undutifulness to her guar
dian."

Before the young man could reply, Eveline interposed.

" You do Master Arundel wrong, sir," she said, " to charge
him with aught unbecoming. He comes hither in open day, and
that by my special invitation."

The eyes of the spirited girl flashed, and her cheeks were crim
son, as she made the avowal.

" This from you, Eveline Dunning," exclaimed Spikeman, with

148 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

ill-suppressed rage. " Have you so far forgotten the modesty of
your sex as to make this declaration in public ? I knew before,
that this boy had bewitched you, but dreamed not that he had
triumphed over all maidenly reserve."

There was something insufferably insulting, both in the tone
and in the insinuation concealed in the language, which was not
entirely understood by the pure mind of Eveline, but which was
maddening to her lover.

" Only a base ingrate and liar," he cried, " would slander
celestial purity. Master Spikeman knows that what he utters is
false."

" Ha ! darest thou, malapert boy," said Spikeman, advancing
to Arundel with his arm raised, as if about to strike ; but Waqua
stepped between them. He had gravely listened to the heated
conversation, and supposed he understood its purport.

" Let not the wise white man," he said, addressing Spikeman,
" imitate a mad wolf in his anger. Give to my brother for his
wife the girl whose cheeks are like the summer morning, for her
heart has hid itself in his bosom."

The fury of Spikeman, thus bearded in his own house, was
now directed to the savage. Anger appeared to have completely
deprived him of reason, for turning upon the Indian with glaring
eyes and exerting his strength to the utmost, he hurled him with
irresistible force across the room against the wainscot, where his
head struck a post, and he fell bleeding on the floor.

Waqua was instantly on his feet again, and his first motion
was to clutch the tomahawk, but Arundel catching his arm, com
pelled him to desist from his revenge. Holding the savage by
the arm, Arundel passed out of the apartment, leaving the As
sistant standing as if petrified by his own violence, while Eveline,
pale, yet resolute, had sunk upon a seat, and Prudence was hys
terically shrieking. As soon as they stood in the street, Arundel
said :

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 149

" I am grieved, Waqua, that thou, on my account, shouldst
have been the object of the ruffian's rage, Its possibility oc
curred not to me."

" Let not my brother grieve," said the Indian. " It is nothing ;
not so much as the scratch of a bear's paw."

" I take blame to myself for this day's unhappy violence, and
hope that no further mischief may spring out of it. Will my
brother grant me a favor ?"

" The ears of Waqua are open," said the savage.

" Promise me, for my sake, to seek no revenge, but to leave it
in my hands."

But the Indian looked moodily on the ground. " Waqua," he
said, "will kill his enemies himself."

" If," continued the young man, " my brother knew that an at
tempt to punish the bad white man would bring ruin on the
maiden and on me, would he be willing to destroy them too ?"

" Waqua will do no harm to his brother."

" Waqua's heart and mine are one, and he has a wise head.
He sees that the arms of the English are very long, and their
hands strong, and he will not run into them, for they will crush
him."

" My brother shall see the inside of Waqua. Let him look up.
Behold, the sun shines because he is the sun, and the wind stirs
the forest leaves because he is the wind, and water runs, and fire
burns, because the Master of Life made them thus ; and so the
Indian will never forgive, for then would he cease to be an
Indian. But Waqua will do nought to injure his brother."

With this unsatisfactory answer the young man was forced to
content himself as well as he could, though his mind misgave
him as to the possible consequences of the insult. He trusted,
however, that Spikeman's knowledge of Indian character would
place him sufficiently on his guard to make abortive any attempts
against him, and determined to keep a watchful eye upon hii

150 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

wild companion for the present, and until time should have
blunted sensibility to the injury. For this reason, and in order
also to counteract, as far as might be, the effect of the incidents
at the house of the Assistant, after purchasing the articles which
they came out to procure, he took the savage with him on the
visit to the Governor, which he had promised the knight to
make. Nor is this a circumstance that should excite surprise ; it
being the policy of the colonists to cultivate the best understand
ing with the natives, to accomplish which object the latter were
not only admitted into their houses, but sometimes even invited
by the principal inhabitants to seats at their tables. They
found Winthrop at home, and were admitted to his presence.

" Welcome, young friend," he exclaimed, " with England's
red rose still blooming in thy cheeks ; and a welcome, too, to
my Indian brother/'

"This, right worshipful sir," said Arundel, "is Waqua, to
whom I owe my life, which he saved this morning from a
panther."

" Ah !" said Winthrop, '; one of the hazards not uncommon
in our wild-beast-infested forest, and young blood is rash. But
relate to me thine adventure."

Arundel was obliged to detail the circumstances of his escape,
which he did with the greater pleasure, as contributing thereby
to recommend his companion to the favorable consideration of
so powerful a person as the Governor. At the conclusion of the
narrative, Winthrop devoutly said :

" The praise be to Him to whom it justly belongs, and whose
unsleeping Providence perpetually watches over us. Yet," he
added, turning to the Indian, " be not the instrument forgotten
by whom He manifested his favor. The life of a white man
is very precious, and Waqua may ask much because he saved it."

" It is a small thing," replied the Indian. " My brother would
have killed the beast himself without Waqua' s arrow; it only
saved him a little trouble."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 151

" How modest is ever true merit, Master Arundel," said Win-
throp, " and that is noticeable in both civilized and savage.
This community of feeling doth, as I take it, evidence, in con
nection with other matters, the truth revealed in the Scripture,
(nature herself thereunto bearing witness,) that we are descended
from one common parent, of whose qualities all do partake, even
to the remotest generations. But, however desert may be dis
claimed by thy preserver, it were shame, morally, as also censura
ble in another view, were I to show myself no sense of the
obligation."

So saying, the Governor opened the desk before him, and
taking therefrom a medal attached to a glittering chain, presented
it to the Indian.

" Take it," he said, " and wear it in testimony that the white
chief knows how to estimate thy service, and desires to cultivate
thy friendship."

But the Indian held not out his hand to receive the proffered
medal.

" Why dost hesitate?" inquired Winthrop, in some amaze
ment, (for never had he known before an ornament, of which the
savages are usually so fond, refused.) " Is there aught else that
would pleasure thee more"? Speak freely thy thoughts."

" Waqua thanks the white chief," replied the savage, softly,
" but he wears only one totem, and that is one which cannot be
taken from his neck. See !"

So saying, he threw open the folds of the robe of skins that
covered his chest, and disclosed upon his naked bosom the picture
of a turtle. It was painted upon or pricked into the skin in
divers colors, so as to be indelible, and though rudely done, was
sufficiently well executed to convey an idea which could not be
mistaken of what was intended to be represented.

" Waqua," he continued, " will have but one totem, and it is
that of his ancestors ; but if the white chief desires to please

152 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MEL1CE.

Waqua, let him recollect and teach his people that the same
Great Spirit made red men and white men, and wishes them to
be brothers."

The sagacity of Winthrop penetrated the motive of the savage,
and Avonder at the refusal to accept the token was lost in ad
miration of the other's jealousy of whatever might imply a want
of exclusive devotion to his tribe, or a placing of himself in a
position inconsistent with perfect independence. He scrutinized
the Indian with much more attention than he had at first be
stowed upon him, and fancied that in his daring face he read an
air of nobleness and command which at first he had not re
marked.

" It troubles me, Waqua," he said, " to have thee refuse this
badge of my friendship, and which would be a declaration to the
world that thou wert my friend, and the friend of the white
man, but sith it may not be, receive my promise that I will
inculcate the maxim on my people, that we are all descended
from the same heavenly father, and bound to love and to practice
actions of mutual kindness. I were less, indeed, than Christian
man were I to do otherwise."

" And now I have a petition to proffer to your excellency,
and which lies very near to my heart, and without the granting
whereof the life saved by Waqua will be of little value to me,"
said Arundel.

" A thing of moment, indeed ; and with such a consequence
following its rejection, a prayer which I cannot refuse."

" It is your reputation, honored sir, for justice, which em
boldens me, who am but a comparative stranger, with no further
claim to your consideration than one man has upon his fellow to
do him right, to address you, and endeavor to secure your all-
powerful interest in my behalf."

Here the eyes of the Governor fell with an inquiring look
upon the Indian, and the mute appeal was understood by the
young man.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 153

" I care not," he said, unwilling, by any appearance of a
want of confidence, to hazard an interruption of the friendly
relations existing between himself and the savage, in whom he
already felt a considerable interest — " I care not if Waqua hears
my story ; he is my brother and may look into my heart."

A gratified expression crossed the countenance of Waqua, but,
without a remark, he rose from his seat, and, with a delicacy little
to be expected among the wild children of Nature, withdrew to a
distant part of the room.

" It is better thus," said the Governor, " if thy complaint, as I
partly suspect, touch a member of the Government. The secrets
of a family should not be blazoned to the world. Our little Com
monwealth is a family, and it becometh each one tenderly to
guard the good repute of all."

" I crave your Excellency's pardon," said the young man,
casting down his eyes at the rebuke, " for my imprudence ; but
your sagacity has already divined what forces me to fly to you
for succor. It is of the unjustifiable conduct of the Assistant
Spikeman I would speak."

" It is as I supposed. Something of this have I heard, but only
as flying gossip, which it were unmanly in any one to heed ; and
which, as such, it were disgraceful in the ruler of a people to re
gard. But, if the charge come, bearing upon itself an authentic
stamp, it is a different matter."

" The words which I shall utter I will avouch with my blood.
A great and grievous wrong hath been committed and is continued,
against which both Heaven and earth cry out."

" It is a heavy charge, and now to the proof."

Hereupon Arundel entered upon the particulars of the breach
of faith on the part of Spikeman, and of the restraint exercised
by him over Eveline ; to all which Winthrop listened with pro
found attention, by neither word nor sign interrupting the narra
tive. Upon its conclusion, however, he began in the spirit of

7

154 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the profession wherein he had been educated, to ask questions
and urge objections.

"Thou hast truly, Master Arundel," he said, "made out a case
of great hardship, if the view taken by thee be correct ; and, un
derstand me, I doubt not thine entire sincerity. But what fur
ther testimony than that of the young lady hastthou, her repre
sentations being contradicted by Master Spikeman ? "

" What ! " cried the young man, with some warmth, " is not
the word of Eveline sufficient to outweigh the prevarications of
a thousand tricksters like this Spikeman ?"

" This is no proper language," said Winthrop, a little sternly,
" but Amor semper ccecus" he added, smiling. " Thjs rule I take to
be without exception. Am I to understand that thou hast no
further proof f '

" There is the asseveration of Eveline Dunning, met only by
the denial of the Assistant Spikeman, who would deny every
truth, so only it were necessary for his purpose."

" Thou dost prejudice thy cause by want of moderation. It
seemeth me, however, that Master Spikeman hath no necessity
to join issue with thee on the facts, arid that a bare demurrer
were all-sufficient to throw thee out of court. Forgive me for
inflicting this pain, but I do it not without a motive, which is to
possess thee fully of the manner in which this matter is viewed
by others."

"There is then no justice in this land," cried the young man.

" I have thus far," Winthrop went o-» without heeding the ex
clamation, "considered the case, under the supposition of a denial
on the part of Master Spikeman (whom thou dost not deny to be
the rightly constituted guardian of Mistress Dunning) of the facts
which, in thy opinion, impose on him a duty to give thee his
ward in marriage. But suppose, as I have said, he were to de
mur to thy declaration, that is to say, admit the truth of all
thou hast said, but deny that any obligation resulted therefrom

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 155

to comply with thy wishes, would thy condition be thereby bet
tered 1"

" Admitting the facts, I see not how he could do otherwise
than hasten to perform the desire of his deceased friend ; but this
he will never do, forsworn and treacherous that he is."

" Thus may passion speak, but not so the unprejudiced reason
concerning thy difference with Master Spikeman. Might he not
reply to thy reproaches— that it was only when Master Dunning
was weakened by sickness that he did yield to importunity ; but
that in the days of unclouded health, and when the mind sat lik&
a king upon his throne, he did steadily oppose thy union with
his daughter, and then ask thee which he was in duty bound to
obey — the settled purpose of his friend, as demonstrated by his
daily life and conversation, or a chance word of sickness, perhaps.,
of delirium ? That Edmund Dunning did at first, even till his
death-bed, deny thee his daughter, thou dost admit ; and this is a
weighty argument, hard to be overcome by a dying whisper. The
reason thereof will satisfy most, for is it not written, ' Be yc
not unequally yoked with unbelievers T Seest 1hou not that it
is only thyself who dost stand in the way of thy happiness ?
Oh ! that the light of Divine truth might penetrate thy mind,
and make thee, in all respects, worthy of the lovely lady."

"Eveline Dunning would despise rne, were I, even for the sake
of her hand, to renounce the faith of my fathers."

"Not for the sake of her hand, (that would be only a collateral
blessing,) but for other and worthier motives. Very precious and
encouraging is the promise in the Scripture, ' Seek ye first the
kingdom of heaven, and all other things shall be added unto you/
Doubt it not, and consider also how sweet is the tie that doth bind
consenting hearts with one true faith — a faith consoling exceed-*
ingly — a faith to lift high above the tempests of adversity — to
heal the wounds of earth, and to be crowned with glory and ira*
mortality in heaven,"

156 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Were I even to join the congregation, which, in my present
way of thinking, I might not do without guilt, Master Spikeman
would, doubtless, find means to make vain my suit."

" Judge him not so harshly. What motive can he have, other
than to perform his duty to the living and to the dead ? Think,
rather, that Providence hath, in its own wonderful way, deter
mined to lead thee by the silken cord of thy affections unto grace.
Be not disobedient unto the heavenly impulse."

" I perceive that I have failed in my prayer, and can have no
hope of your intercession, honored sir," said Arundel, rising, " and
will therefore take my sorrowful leave."

"It pains me," said Winthrop, also rising, "that, under pres
ent circumstances, I am compelled to deny it. I may not do
aught to contravene a resolution of the deceased Edmund Dun
ning, which seems to have been inspired by Heaven ; but, the
cause of that resolution being removed, no one will be happier to
promote your purpose. I say this the more cheerfully, because
thy happiness is within reach, to be wisely seized or unwisely re
fused."

" With thanks for your Excellency's good will, and lamenting
that it is fruitless, I will now depart."

Hereupon, the young man making a sign to his companion,
the Indian approached. The sight of the latter seemed to sug
gest an idea to Winthrop, for, turning to him, he said :

" On the morrow I expect an embassy from some of your coun*
trymen, Waqua. Will not the chief remain to witness it 1"

On the quiet countenance of the Indian only an inquiry was
to be read.

" The Taranteens," said the Governor, in answer to the look,
" desire to brighten the chain of friendship between the white men
and themselves, and it ought to give pleasure to a wise chief to
behold it."

" Waqua is a young man," replied the Indian, " and is not

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 157

wise ; but he has heard the old men of his tribe say, that no faith
was to be placed in the word of a Taranteen."

" Let them beware," said Winthrop, who, from obvious mo
tives of policy, adopted this tone in the Indian's presence, " how
they attempt to deceive me. The friendship of the white man is
like the blessed sun, which brings life and joy ; his enmity, like
the storm-clouds, charged with thunders and lightnings."

" Listen !" said the Indian, laying his hand on the arm of the
Governor. " The beavers once desired the friendship of the skunk.
They admired his black and white hair, and thought his round,
bushy tail, which was different from theirs, very beautiful ; so
they invited him into their lodges ; but when he came, his scent
was so bad that they were all obliged to abandon them. The
Taranteens are the skunk."

"I have no fear that they will drive us away," said Winthrop,
with a smile. <; They have every reason to conciliate our favor,
and we would be at peace, if we are permitted, with all men.
We came not into these far off regions to bring a sword, but the
blessings of civilization and of the Gospel."

" Waqua will come," said the Indian, " but the Taranteens are
a skunk. The white chief will remember the words of Waqua,
and will say, before many days, that he spoke the truth."

" We know how to deal with the treacherous," answered the
Governor, " but anticipate no evil now."

With these words, and, as if striving by extraordinary courtesy
to palliate the pain which he had inflicted on Arundel, he accom
panied the two to the door of the apartment, where he dismissed
them.

CHAPTER XL

Oh ! he sits high in all the people's hearts.

SHAKESPEARE.

IT was evident that, so far from anything being to be expected
from the interposition of the Governor, he was opposed to the mar
riage of Arundel as long as the latter should remain outside of the
charmed circle of the Church — a full communion with which was
necessary, even to the exercise of the rights of a citizen. But
the young man was incapable of deception. His ingenuous mind
turned, displeased, away from the bait the wily Governor had
presented ; and, dearly as he loved his mistress, he would have
preferred to renounce her rather than play the hypocrite to
obtain the prize. He was not much cast down, for, having sought
the interview, not from the promptings of his own judgment, but
out of deference to the wishes of the knight, he was not greatly
disappointed. He remained firm in the resolution, whatever
might be the risk, to release Eveline from the constraint exercised
over her by her guardian. Silent, with the Indian silent fol
lowing in his footsteps, he returned to his lodgings to brood over
his prospects and to devise schemes.

The next day was the time fixed for receiving the Taranteens ;
and not without interest, notwithstanding the pre-occupation of
his mind3 did Arundel look forward to the event. Such deputa-

160 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

tions or embassies were, indeed, not uncommon, and the young
man had already been present at more than one occasion of the
kind ; but great consequence was attached to the present, and
unusual preparations were made to convert the ceremony into a
scene that should be imposing to the imagination of the savages,
and forcibly impress them with an idea of the power of the
English.

The name Taranteen was given to the natives living on the
banks of the river Kennebec, in the present state of Maine, and em
braced a number of tribes, among whom were those called by the
French Abenakis. They were a fierce and proud race, and had
spread the terror of their arms to a wide distance from their hunt
ing grounds. There was a perpetual feud betwixt them and the
Aberginians, as the Indians on Massachusetts Bay were styled,
who, in consequence of wars with their northern neighbors, as
well as of the pestilence which had desolated their wigwams, had
become reduced from the condition of a powerful people to com
parative insignificance. These Taranteens had, at the beginning
of the settlement of the colony, occasionally done some mischief,
descending their rivers in canoes in small bands, plundering the
cabins of exposed settlers, and sometimes murdering the inmates.
As the power of the whites increased, and their name became
more terrible, these forays had almost ceased, and in most in
stances the colonists were able, in one way and another, to obtain
satisfaction for the wrongs committed. There was no defined
state of hostilities existing betwixt them and the Taranteens, nor
could it be said they were strictly at peace with each other ; and
it was felt that great advantages might result from an interchange
of civilities, and a formal estabiishment of friendly relations. The
efforts of Winthrop and of his council had been for some time
directed to this object, but hitherto they had been frustrated by
the intrigues of the French, who found it for their interest to dis
courage intercourse between the Taranteens and the colonists, lest

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 161

the lucrative trade with the former, of which they enjoyed the
monopoly, might be diverted from them entirely, or diverted into
other channels. In these exertions the French traders were not a
little aided by the Jesuit missionaries scattered among them, who
naturally favored their countrymen, and besides were afraid of the
spiritual influence which the heretical Puritans might exercise
over their dusky neophytes. For even at that early period, the
zeal of the Romish Church had penetrated the wilds of North as
well as of South America, and erected the sacred crucifix where
before stood the stake of the victim. Solitudes which, until then,
had only trembled to the horrid war-whoop, were now tranquil-
ized by the soft sounds of the lowly muttered mass. The ferocity
of the natives began to be softened, and if not christianized * and
practising only the outward ceremonies of Christianity, they had
at least taken the first step towards civilization. In this state of
things a circumstance had occurred, which made abortive any
further opposition of the missionaries and traders.

A shallop, or small vessel employed by the colonists in fishing,
had picked up at sea, at a considerable distance from the land, a
canoe containing some half a dozen Indians, who were on the
point of perishing from hunger. They were Taranteens, who had
probably ventured out too far from the Main, and been caught in
a storm, and swept out by currents, until they lost all knowledge
of their situation, and had been for some days paddling about in
the fogs, which prevail in those latitudes near the coast, in a vain
attempt to retrace their course to land. The starving wretches
had been taken on board the shallop, and instead of being de
stroyed as they expected, had been kindly treated, and brought in
safety to Boston, where they were presented to Winthrop. The
Governor, politic as well as humane, seized the favorable oppor
tunity to cultivate a better understanding than had hitherto ex
isted between his own people and the eastern tribes. He was
completely successful in making the impression he desired upon

7*

162 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the rescued Taranteens ; and when they took their departure,
loaded with presents, it was with a lively regret that they had not
sooner become acquainted with a people so hospitable and gen
erous. Among their number was an inferior chief, endowed with
the gift of eloquence, which often exists in a high degree
among the red men. His eulogies of the colonists on his return
were so glowing, and his representations were so well confirmed
by his companions, that the exertions of the Frenchmen Avere
no longer able to stifle their curiosity to know more of their
neighbors, especially as the report of their returned tribes-men
effectually contradicted the monstrous fictions which had been
invented to deter them. Such was the origin of an embassy
which was a source of fear to the French, and of hope to the
English.

It is not surprising that Winthrop, thinking highly of the im
portance of the occasion, should avail himself of all the means at
hand to produce a striking and imposing spectacle, and that he
should be seconded, to the best of their ability, by the colonists.
As Arundel walked along he could observe indications of the ap
proaching ceremonies. The roll of a drum, mingled with the
shriek of a fife, and the blast of a trumpet was heard ; an occa
sional passenger either on foot or horseback, with a musket on his
shoulder, and whose face was not to be seen daily in the streets
of the town, loitered on his way ; the guard at the door of the
Governor's house was doubled, more for show than for any other
purpose, and a greater number of the assistants than usual was
to be seen. Several of these gentlemen lived in the town, but
some resided on their plantations in the neighborhood, and came
to Boston only for purposes of business, or diversion, or pleasure.
Several men were also engaged in drawing a couple of culverins
to the place of audience, which was to be in the open air. Waqua,
as he walked demurely after Arundel, doubtless noticed all that
was passing, but he made no remark, nor through his appear-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 163

ance of indifference was the interest which he really felt per
ceptible.

When they reached the inn, they found an unusual number of
persons there collected. Here were to be found not only the cap
tains and inferior officers of the vessels, who, while in harbor, were
accustomed to make this a place of resort, but divers colonists
from the country round, who, upon the requisition of the Gover
nor, had assembled, provided with military equipments. The
heart of the landlord, goodman Nettles, rejoiced, and his contra
dictory face beamed with pleasure, as, surveying the increasing
crowd, he calculated what quantity of ale and wine and victuals
they would put down their throats, and how many pounds, shil
lings, and pence, into his own pocket. On such occasions the
large circle of his benevolence comprehended all mankind —
Indians as well as whites. As the two entered the public room of
the inn, they heard rising above the confused din of voices, that
of Captain Sparhawk, who seemed objecting to the preparations.
" If they were good Christians," he said, " the sail would tit
better to the yard. If they were even your frog-eating moun-

seers, with their popery and d d wooden shoes, (' I hope,'

he added, ' a man may curse the Pope,') I wouldn't care about
touching off a culverin or two by way of good fellowship ; but as
for these whooping red skins, it will all be no better than so much
powder thrown away."

" Canst not let the Indians alone, Captain f cried mine host.
" Ahem ! for my part I believe there's many a proper man among
them, though 'tis a grievous pity," he added, sighing, " that they
be'nt Christians."

" Avast, and belay there with a double turn, goodman host,"
exclaimed the Captain. " Of what use do ye think would it be
to make the red skins Christians ? Keep your weather eye open,
and tell us if ye don't see breakers ahead. Hark ye ! do ye think
it would be so very pleasant to have the sharks swim into heaven

164 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN ME LICE.

and go jumping and yelling round like so many red devils as they
are?''

" But, Captain, if divine grace once entered their hearts, they
would give up all such ways, you know," sighed the host.

" Tell that to a landsman," answered the Captain, " and not
to a man who was with Jacob Le Maire the first time when them
harricanes that dances the devil's hornpipe the whole year round
Cape Horn ever had a chance to split an English jib. (Old
Jacob — the Dutch, do ye see, the ignorant beggars, capsize it into
Yacob), — old Jacob, or Yacob, as the Mynheers spoil it, was a
stout fellow, if he was a Dutchman. Pie was like a grampus
when he set his teeth, and a southwester couldn't blow harder if
he chose. But where away was I when I begun chase after old
Jacob Le Maire ? Aye, aye, here away with Indians on the wea
ther bow, bearing up into heaven. What does the Scriptures say,
goodman Nettles, about an Ethiopian changing his spots ?"

But mine host was at the moment too busily engaged with new
guests to attend to questions of theology.

" You're out o' your reckoning there, Captain," said Bill
Pantry. " It is a leopard — a sort o' wild beast, as one may say,
that finds it unhandy to get rid of his spots. They are pricked
in by natur', I take^t, in a manner, with Indy ink, so that it isn't
scrubbing will take 'em out."

" And why should not an Ethiopian have a right to spots as
well as a leopard, or yourself, Bill, with a big anchor settling in
the mud, on your right arm, and the Union Jack flying on 'tother.
Answer me that, man, before you interrupt your superior officer
again."

" Why, do ye see, Captain," Bill began.

But the impatient sailor waited for no answer to his question,
for looking round, his eyes happened to fall on Arundel, with the
Indian near him, and immediately rising, he approached them.

" How are ye, once more, my hearty ?" he inquired, extending

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELTCE. 165

his hand to Arundel, while he looked at the Indian. " Is this
one of the plenipo-po-pothecaries ? That's not it, but it's as much
like as children generally are to their fathers."

" Plenipotentiaries you mean," answered the young man, with
a smile. " No, this is not a Taranteen ; he is one of our own
Massachusetts Bay countrymen."

" I thought," said the Captain, " he looked too young for such
a line of business, though he looms up as grand as a king's ship.
But these Indians, if they be heathens, have some wit as well as
other folk, and they know that older chaps are fitter for the like
of this here navigation. Howsoever, there's something that
pleases me in the cut of your dark colored friend's jib. Would
it be asking too much for the honor of an introduction ?"

" Captain Sparhawk," said Arundel, " this is my noble friend
Waqua, to whom I am under the greatest obligations."

The Captain offered his hand to the savage, who, acquainted
with this custom of the whites, extended his own. As for what
the seaman had been saying, Waqua had but an imperfect con
ception of it.

"Do ye see, Master Arundel," said the Captain, "I think
there is some difference between the red skins and the blacka
moors. To be sure they are all heathens, and for that reason
not much better than so many big monkeys ; and there's a com
fort in that, do ye see, because that gives us a right to catch and
make them do our disagreeable work. Anyhow, I've read in
Scripture that Ham, who was the old ringleader of the niggars,
was made black on purpose. Now, according to my notion, these
red skins are a sort o' cross betwixt Ham's and Japhet's children,
who were cousins, you know, for do ye see, though they're dark
ish, they have got long hair like us white men. But come, let us
sit down and splice the main brace to better acquaintance."

Arundel accepted the invitation to a seat, for he knew not how
better to pass the time than in watching the humors around him,

166 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN HELICE.

but declined participating in any potations. The Indian too,
much to the surprise of the Captain and of Arundel. refused to
drink, and to the pressing entreaties of the former only answered,
" Waqua is not thirsty."

" I believe," said the Captain, peevishly, " that the bad man
ners of these crop ears will spoil the very heathens themselves at
last. Whoever heard of an Indian before who refused drink
when he could get it ?"

" Noble Captain," said Arundel, " be not offended at our
friend, who is not accustomed to wine, and therefore is probably
afraid of the effect upon himself ; nor with me, who never could
bear more than half a dozen glasses, and have already sufficiently
indulged."

" Well, if there is anything I pray for more than for another,"
exclaimed the disappointed Captain, " it is that I may never be
come a milksop (saving your presence, Master Arundel)."

" There is not much danger of that," said the young man,
laughing. " But what is the difficulty across the room ?"

A group of some dozen persons had been engaged for a consid
erable time in animated conversation, the tones of which had gra
dually been growing louder, until at last they could be heard
above all other noises. As the sounds increased, the general hum.
of conversation died by degrees away, until the whole interest
was centered in the group above mentioned.

" I will stand by stout Capt. Endicott," said a strongly built
man in citizen's dress, and holding a musket in his hand, " rest
ing assured that he does nothing without a reason, and that his
conduct doth spring from a godly zeal."

" And I will maintain, in any proper mode," replied an officer-
looking personage, " that it was a deed insulting to his majesty,
and disgraceful to a British subject. If not treason, it is some
thing very like."

" Bethink you, Colonel McMahon," said the first speaker, " that

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 167

this is not England. I trow we left her to but little purpose, if
we are to enjoy no more liberty here than there."

"What kind of a liberty call you that, Capt. Larkham," de
manded the other, " which authorizes Endicott, or any other
man, to cut out the cross from the King's colors ? Call you
yourselves loyal subjects who tolerate such an outrage?"

" And by what authority," retorted Larkham, "was the Papis
tical sign foisted into the standard of England, except by that of
the scarlet woman, whose robes are red with the blood of the
saints ?"

" Methinks," said the Colonel, " that the flag which waved at
Cressy and Poitiers deserved a better fate."

" I pray thee to take to heart and perpend," answered Lark-
ham, with some solemnity, " that I will yield in loyalty to no
man, and that the last drop of blood I have is at the service of
my country. In this matter a distinction is to be taken. It was
not as a contemner of the flag of England, and of the glorious
memories connected therewith (he would deserve my dagger in
his heart if it were so,) that Capt. Endicott cut out the cross, but
as one who is zealous against error. What ! is it reasonable to
ask us to march to battle with the sign of Home flaunting over
our heads ? Shall we do anything which may induce the poor
savages (whom, as I am told, the emissaries of Home are de
luding, taking good care to keep out of our reach) to recognize
her errors, and admit her power"?"

" Such scruples," said the Colonel, " neither you nor I ever
heard at home. It required a foreign soil to give birth to them,"
and as he uttered the word foreign, he threw an emphasis on it
which offended the other.

" I shall entreat of your courtesy," said Larkham, slowly, "to
weigh well the words which it may be your pleasure to apply to
any opinions of mine. I will resent any imputations upon the
loyalty of the colony, or upon mine own."

168 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN" MELICE.

" Think not to affect me by any threats, sir," answered the
Colonel, standing up, and looking sternly at his opponent. " I
say that it was the act of a rebel, and will avouch my words
against you, though the whole colony were at your back."

The last sentence was spoken in a defiant tone, and some mis
chief might have been the consequence, had not Master Prout,
who for some time had been listening to the conversation, placed
himself with his long staff in hand, between the two, and com
manded the peace.

" I pray ye, gentlemen," he said, addressing them in a manner
very different (as becoming their quality) from the style he had
adopted toward Capt. Sparhawk, " to consider the great scandal
ye occasion by this unseemly altercation. Who is there doubts
the godly zeal of Col. McMahon, or the loyalty of Capt. Lark-
ham, or the valor of either ? There is no cause of enmity be
twixt ye, but contrariwise of peace and good will. How sweet
it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! It is like the pre
cious oil that ran down Aaron's beard, yea, even to the skirts of
his garment. I pray ye to be reconciled one to the other."

Master Prout was exceedingly fond of hearing himself talk, and
a shrewd man withal, he had purposely applied to each gentle
man the quality in which he was deficient, and spun out his
speech with great deliberation, in order to give time for the pas
sion of the opponents to subside. At its conclusion he was start
led to hear a voice just behind him exclaim,

" Well done, Master Prout. A word fitly spoken is like ap
ples of gold in pictures of silver."

All turned to the voice, and there stood Endicott himself, who,
in the height of the interest excited by the controversy, had en
tered unobserved, and overheard a part of the dispute. There he
stood, with his left hand caressing the tuft of hair on his chin,
looking grimly round him.

" Capt. Larkham," he said, as soon as the commotion occa
sioned by his sudden appearance abated, " I do appreciate thy

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 169

well meaning love, but hold it an unprofitable thing to engage in
debates which can lead to no useful results. What I have done,
I have done, and that not in the inconsiderate heat of youthful
blood, but with the thoughtful deliberation that becometh man
hood. If there be any who impeach the deed, they do it ignorantly,
as not understanding the meaning or bearing thereof."

" I impeach it," cried the impetuous Colonel, " and shame it
is that so unsoldierly and disloyal an act should pass unpunished.'*

Here Master Prout advanced, first looking at Endicott for ap
proval, as if about to arrest the audacious speaker.

" Nay, good Master Prout, by thy leave I desire no offices of
thine," said Endicott, putting him aside. " I might, with jus
tice, take offence at thy language, which is harsh," he continued,
addressing the Colonel ; " but I will not, seeing that it springs
out of an honorable but misguided apprehension of the matter.
Is it possible that a gentleman of Col. McMahon's intelligence,
and whose spirit hath been enlightened to see the truth, even to
casting in his lot with ours, should condemn an act which me-
seems ought to command his sanction ? Had it been told me by
another, I would have disbelieved what but now mine own ears
have heard."

" I repeat," said the Colonel, " it appears to me no better than
treason."

" If thou dost esteem me a traitor, step forward and arrest me
in the King's name. But no ; surely thou dost speak hastily.
For the sake of the respect I feel for thee, I will explain the
motives of my conduct. Not from any disrespect to King Charles ;
not because I honor not the. flag of my country ; but because I
owe a higher allegiance, even to the King of kings,. cut I out the
sign of Papistical idolatry ; not as designing to be deficient in any
earthly duty, but as intending to make known to the world my pro
test, and, as far as may be, the protest of this godly colony against
a corrupt church, which is no church ; and against all, though

170 THE KNIGHT OP THE GOLDEN MELICE.

not calling themselves of her communion, who drink of the cup
of her abominations, desired I to remove from before our eyes
that which, whenever beheld, only reminded us of a damning de
lusion and daily oppression. If this were sin, then have I sinned ;
but I will abide the consequences without flinching, whether in
this world or in the world to come."

A deep, stern murrnur ran round the room, and it was evi
dent, from the countenances of the company and from the expres
sions that could now and then be caught, that by far the greater
part of them entertained the sentiments of the audacious sectary.
Such, it is highly probable, were the sentiments of a majority of the
government of the colony, notwithstanding their disavowal, after
wards, of all sympathy with the act, and public censure of the bold
Puritan. Not that a democratical feeling lurked therein, as some
may fancy, but for the very reasons manfully proclaimed by Endi-
cott — reasons, not of a political, but entirely of a religious char
acter.

Endicott, a sagacious and daring politician, as well as zealous
religionist, heard the sounds and beheld the faces of those around
him with satisfaction. It pleased him publicly to vindicate his
conduct, and to test the feelings of his countrymen.

" Thou nearest," he resumed, " those sounds and seest these
faces, and dost tliou believe that all these men are also disloyal ?
Review thy judgment, I pray thee, and believe that attachment
to the Crown may not be inconsistent with hatred of Papistical
baubles."

Capt. Endicott will find it difficult, in my judgment, to satisfy
the Privy Council of the propriety of the outrage, as easily as he
has satisfied himself and these people," replied Col. McMahon.

" Be assured," replied Endicott, " that whether here or in Eng
land — before the Court of Assistants or the Privy Council, I will
avouch the deed, even though it should build the steps to a scaf
fold."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE, 171

So saying, and looking deliberately around, and with an incli
nation of the body, which hardly amounted to a bow, he placed
upon his head the slouched hat he had taken off on his entrance,
and left the apartment. Upon his departure, the company be
came broken up again into various groups, and began once more
to busy themselves with the mugs and cans ; and Arundel, tired
of the confusion, Ieft5 with Waqua, for his own chamber.

CHAPTER XII.

Alas ! for them, their day is o'er,
Their fires are out frcm shore to shore,
No more for them the wild deer bounds^*
The plough is on their hunting grounds.

SPHAGUE.

WHEN Arundel awoke the next morning, he found that the
Indian, who had coiled himself upon the floor and there passed
the night, was nowhere to be seen. It was, indeed, no wonder,
since the rays of the sun had, for more than an hour, been striv
ing to penetrate the oiled paper, which served instead of window
glass ; and no sooner did the young man realize the lateness of
the hour than he sprang from his couch, thinking all the while
what Waqua would say to his dilatoriness. After making a
hasty toilette, he descended the stairs, and, crossing the public
room to the door, looked out upon the street. There was quite
a number of persons passing backward and forward, many of
whom were dressed in the accoutrements of soldiers, and at these
he stood gazing awhile and looking round, if perchance he might
discover anything of the Indian. But, as he did not appear, the
young man turned back to await his coming.

Hour after hour passed away, but Waqua returned not ; and
Arundel began to fear that his companion had taken some offence,
either at himself, or at what had occurred the evening previous.
He ransacked his memory, for the purpose of discovering if he

174 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

had said or done anything to which exception could be taken, or
had omitted any courtesy or attention ; but he could find nothing
to reproach himself with. He was unable to believe that Waqua
would steal away without formally taking leave, on account of
any slight or impertinence from another, after the command of
himself he had exhibited following the violence of Spikeman 5.
and, finally, tried to avoid thinking of the subject, expecting that
the truant would turn up at some time during the day, and ex
plain his absence.

Meanwhile, it was understood that the expected deputation of
the Taranteens had arrived, and been received at the house of
the Governor. Armed men had been constantly coming inta
town ; their wives and children, in some instances, accompanying
them; until the settlement had become a scene of gay and ani
mated confusion. The place fixed upon for the reception of the
ambassadors (there being no building sufficiently large to contain
the number present, and who were anxious to witness the cere
mony) was an elevation near the village, commanding a view of
the buildings, of the green rolling bay, and of the ships tossing
on its waves. Here, under the shade of a patriarchal elm, spread
ing like an umbrella its immense and gracefully drooping branches
over a wide extent of green turf, Winthrop was to give public
audience to the dusky delegates.

The hour for the reception had nearly arrived, when Arundel
strolled to the place appointed. He found it covered with a
crowd of five or six hundred persons, including the women and
children. The number of armed men might have been two-thirds
of the whole. The women were gossipping together, and the
children amusing themselves in sports becoming their age, while
the soldiers were ranged in double files, extending from a large
chair or kind of throne placed near the body of the tree, thus-
forming a lane, only by .passing through which could access be
had to it. The spot where the chair was placed was covered to

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEfr MLLICE. 175

some little distance around with scarlet cloth — the chair itself as
.representative of majesty, with eloth of gold — 'and on either side
stood grimly a culverin or small cannon, capable of carrying a
ball of seventeen or eighteen pounds in weight — silent, but elo
quent orators, to convince of the ability of him who might oc
cupy the seat to enforce his words. Other chairs, to the num
ber of perhaps twenty, were ranged in a semi-circle on either
side of the seat intended for Winthrop ; while against the body
of the tree were leaned partisans and halberds ; and it was hung
about on nails driven in for the occasion, with shining corslets,
and swords, and daggers,

Arundel had barely time to run his eyes over the preparations,
when a salvo of cannon announced that the Governor was start
ing from his house, and presently appeared the procession, pre
ceded by martial music. First came the musicians, whose num
ber it must be confessed was not very large ; next followed twenty
stout men bearing halberds or staves of about five feet in length,
finished off at the end with a steel head in the shape of an axe ;
immediately after these marched the Governor, attended by his
Council of Assistants, all wearing swords at their sides, and sev-
ral "ministers;" after whom followed the Taranteen embassy,
consisting of about a dozen noble looking Indians of various ages,
from thirty to seventy ; and the whole was closed by two or three
hundred men, completely armed with both the offensive and de
fensive arms of the period. The steeple-crowned hats, the slashed
sleeves, the red stockings, russet boots, and rosettes on the shoes,
made a combination which, if it would be quaint and grotesque
in our eyes, was striking to those who witnessed it.

As the procession came nearer, Arundel could see among those
in the immediate neighborhood of Winthrop, the Knight of the
Golden Melice, conspicuous for the richness of his habiliments,
adopted either to heighten the general effect of the ceremonial,
or to increase his authority with the Indians, over some tribes of

176 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

whom it was known that he possessed considerable influence. The
night, indeed, well understood how much manner and external
adornment affect not only the savage but the civilized man. A
perfect master of the former, he was uniformly courteous. No
frown ever deformed his face, nor even wrinkle ruffled its placid
surface, on which was stamped the expression of a sweet and con
fiding nature ; and, when circumstances required, he knew how
to resort to the latter with an effect which seldom failed of achiev
ing its purpose.

When the procession reached the files extending from the
throne, the soldiery composing them presented arms, and the
musicians stepping on one side, the Governor, preceded by his hal-
badiers, and accompanied by the Knight, his Council, and the In
dians, walked between, and seated himself on the chair of State,
while those who were with him occupied the other seats, and the
halbadiers posted themselves around.

As Winthrop took his place, the ranks in front were further
opened, and the two culverins belched out with fire and smoke a
loud and sudden welcome. So near were the Indians to the guns,
and so unexpected to them was the discharge, that some of the
younger sprung to their feet, as if to repel an attack, dropping
again into their places with abashed looks, as their eyes met the
reproving glances of their elders.

Arundel, at this moment, felt a hand upon his shoulder, and
turning round, beheld Waqua. He was instantly struck with the
changed appearance of the Indian. Instead of the few dashes
of paint of the day before, exactly one-half of those portions of
his face and person, which were visible, beginning at the top of
the forehead, and descending down the middle of the nose, was
painted with bright vermillion, the other half remaining of its
natural color ; his hair was gathered carefully up into a knot on
the top of his head, and bore a single eagle's feather, and in ad
dition to the light tomahawk which he had worn before, a heav
ier one was hanging at his girdle.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 177

" Welcome, my brother, exclaimed Arundel, I did not know
but that I had lost thee. Where hast thou been, and what means
the change in thy appearance?"

" The great white chief invited Waqua to listen to his talk with
the Taranteens, (may the wolf crunch their bones,) and Waqua
is here. He has painted himself according to the custom of his
tribe. This (touching the paint) is for my enemies, and this (in
like manner touching the unpainted portion) is for my friends."

Arundel remembering the strong expressions of dislike towards
the Taranteens which fell from the Indian the day before, and
connecting them with his present preparation, felt some appre
hension for what might happen from his boldly uttered aversion,
and determined to keep close by him, in order to restrain him
from imprudences, and to protect him, if need should arise, from
danger. He took care, therefore, during the rest of the day, to
carry Waqua with him wherever he moved, or to follow the In
dian, when the latter's curiosity tempted him into different parts
of the assemblage.

It was seldom, if ever, that the Puritans undertook anything
of importance, either of a private or public character, without in
voking the blessing and guidance of a superior power. There
was good policy as well as piety in the practice; for by admitting
the ministers into their councils, and giving them conspicuous
parts to perform therein, the magistrates secured their good will
and powerful influence with the people ; and, indeed, it may well
be imagined, that this spiritual aid in a theocratical commonwealth
was a part of the system. On the present occasion, the whole
assembly rose at a signal from Winthrop, and Mr. Eliot, after
wards known as the Indian Apostle, asked for a blessing. The
prayer was like the man himself, earnest and simple, and listened
to with a tixed attention, that indicated the religious reverence of
the hardy men who were gathered around. The Taranteens
themselves, following the example of the others, stood up and
fastened their eyes intently on the speaker, as if, though not un-

8

178 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

derstanding a word he uttered, they expected to gather some
meaning from the motion of his lips.

When the prayer was ended, Gov. Winthrop rose, and request
ing Mr. Eliot (who was sufficiently familiar with the Algonquin
language to make himself understood in it) to interpret, he com
menced an oration to the ambassadors, each sentence, as it was
spoken, being translated by Mr. Eliot.

Confining himself to such ideas as he thought would be most
appreciable by the rude intellects of the forest children, he began
by expressing his pleasure at the visit, and at the pacific spirit
which was manifested by his red brethren. He spoke of the hap
piness of himself and of his people in being able to succor the
storm-tossed Taranteens, and of their readiness to extend kind
ness to the whole nation. He pointed out the reciprocal advan
tages which would result from the establishment of trade between
them, each parting with what he valued less for what he desired
more. He dwelt upon the vast power of his own nation, living
beyond the sea, toward the rising sun, and riding in safety at
pleasure over the mighty waves, in great canoes with wings, some
of which were in sight. He adverted to the pestilence whieh had
swept the land just previous to the coming of the whites, hinting
that it was the breath of the great Spirit which destroyed the in
habitants, to make room for his more favored people. He con
cluded by saying, that they were all children of the same parent,
who was most pleased at seeing them living together in harmony.

It was impossible to judge, from the countenances or manner
of the Indians, how they were affected by the speech, — only the
gutteral " ugh," responding from time to time to the translation of
Mr. Eliot. This was designed as a sign of attention, or of ap
proval, or the contrary, but it was difficult to the English to de
termine in any case which. In fact, like skilful diplomatists,
the ambassadors preserved their dignity, and concealed their feel
ings.

When the Governor had resumed his seat, one of the oldest

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 179

Indians, after a considerable pause, rose, and stepping forward a
few feet, so as to separate himself from all around, turned his face
to Wmthrop, and began a speech in return. It was pronounced
with great deliberation, and rendered into English by the inter
preter, as the orator proceeded.

" The Taranteens," he said, " are a great nation, who having
heard that a people of the same color, but speaking a different
language from their friends the French, had taken possession of
the country of the Aberginians, had sent him and his companions,
that with their own eyes they might see, and with their own ears
might hear, if what had been told them was the truth. Besides,
they desired to return thanks for the kindness shown to their
countrymen, which they would not forget. " Let this belt," said
the orator, taking a piece of wampompeag from the hands of one
of his companions, and laying it on the ground, " preserve my words.
It is very pleasant," he continued, " to plant the tree of peace.
May the sapling which we shall plant to-day become a bigger
tree than the great elm under which we are assembled, and may
we, for many seasons, dance together in its shade. The Taran
teens are a great people ; they have many warriors, and big
canoes, and are so strong, that when they talk of peace, it is not
so much for themselves as for the sake of others ; and as my white
brother hath said, hath not the Great Spirit made all men, and
doth he not love to see them playing like children in the grass *?

" Now let my white brothers open wide their ears, for I am
going to say a thing which much concerns them and us. We
have heard that our white brothers are very fond of land, and
that if we make friends with them they will try to steal away our
land. We care not if they take all the land of the Aberginians,
but they must not think to have any part of our hunting grounds.
We want them all for the game to run in. These two black
belts preserve my words.

" But the Taranteens are a great people, and know how to
defend themselves, and if Owanux attempt to dispossess them,

180 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

there will be talk of taking scalps. These three red belts preserve
my words.

" My brothers, Owanux will recollect that if the Great Spirit
was offended with the Aberginians, and breathed a hot breath
upon them and so they died, he smiles upon the Taranteens and
increases their number, and makes sharp the points of their ar
rows, and directs their tomahawks, and subdues all the tribes
around unto them. These two belts preserve my words.

" As for trade, the Taranteens enjoy already a good trade with
their friends and allies the French ; but if they have anything
which their brothers Owanux want, they will not refuse to ex
change with them. This one belt preserve my words."

Having thus spoken, and been greeted from time to time with
an ejaculation from his companions, the old warrior resumed his
seat, amid a shower of " ughs."

He was replied to, at the request of Winthrop, by Eliot him
self, who gladly seized the opportunity to disabuse the Indians of
any prejudices that might have tainted their minds, and to open
them for the reception of that Christianity which he had so much
at heart.

"It was on account of the wickedness of the Aberginians," he
said, " that they were swept off from the face of the land, and it
was not merely for the purpose of trade that Owanux or the Eng
lish had been sent by the Great Spirit to take their places. If
the English became wicked, they, also, would be destroyed in like
manner, and so would all who should imitate them. But the
English were sent to the Indians with a message which was not
painted on bark or handed down with pieces of wam-pom-peag?
but put into a book whence it spoke always the same words, and
they were those which the Great Spirit himself had spoken with
his own voice. The message was to make them better and hap
pier ; and, he hoped, that they would allow him, at another time?
to tell it to them. He heard with great pleasure, and so did the

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 181

Governor, how much they loved peace. The English loved peace
too, and would water the young tree they should plant that day,
and fence it round, so that no bear or other wild animal should
trample upon it while it was small. The Great Spirit said in the
wise book which He had given to the English, that He loved
peace ; and contained many things, besides, which it would be
useful and pleasant for the Indians to know. The book was
called Good Tidings ; and he hoped that it would rejoice the
hearts of his Indian friends."

When Eliot had ended, another Indian arose, and said : " That
their friends, the long "robes, among the French, had als-o books,
and he had seen them ; but he had never seen a book which could
speak the Indian language. He thought if the Great Spirit had a
message in a book for them, it would be in the Indian language,
and ihat the Great Spirit would teach the Indians how to read it.
He hoped his white brothers would not be offended if he said?
that he should doubt whether the Great Spirit had a message for
them in a book, until he saw the book itself and heard it talk
Indian. That was all he had to say."

It was then that Eliot formed the resolution, by God's grace,
to translate the Bible into the language of the Indians, a work to
which he devoted so many years of his life, and which, in con
nection with his unwearied labor of love among the natives, con
ferred upon him the honorable and well-merited title of " The
Apostle of the Indians."

Various speeches were made after this, on both sides, of which
it is necessary for our purpose to record only one. This was
made by one of the youngest and finest looking of the Taranteens.
His roving eyes, in wandering over the assemblage, had detected
the figure of Waqua ; and, as they fell on him, they lighted up
with an ominous gleam. He directed the attention of the Indian
next to him, a young man like himself, to the discovery, who
seemed in like manner disturbed. The two fastened their eyes

182 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

full on Waqua, but their gaze was returned by him with a look
as bold and stern as theirs. At the first opportunity, the one
who had first observed Waqua rose and spoke.

" Pieskaret," he said, "is a young man, but this is not the first
time his nation has thought him worthy to speak in her councils,
and the winds have blown his name through the forests of Can
ada, and many days travel along the margin of the great salt lake.
When the deer and the Aberginians hear it, they fly, though they
are afar off."

While uttering these words, he had kept his eyes fastened on
the face of Waqua, as if to watch their effect ; and he paused.
But the features of Waqua remained undisturbed, and he steadily
returned the fiery glances of the speaker.

" Pieskaret asks," resumed the Taranteen, " what have the
Aberginians to do with our treaties ? Who invited one of them,
or did he slink without being whistled for between the legs of
men into our midst ?"

Again the speaker paused, but yet the calm Waqua moved not
from his place, nor did he betray emotion.

" The Aberginians," begun the Taranteen again, with a ges
ture of contempt, "are cowards and dumb dogs: if spoken to,
they dare not reply, even with a whine : the Taranteens have
put petticoats on them, and there is nothing baser than them
selves except their allies, the Pequots."

The hitherto undisturbed mien of Waqua changed at these last
words, as by magic. With a clear, steady voice, while his sta
ture seemed to increase, he suddenly cried out :

" Pieskaret, if that be the name of the scolding squaw, is a liar.
He knows that when the Taranteens hear the steps of a Pequot
they run like wood-chucks to their holes. Sassacus says that they
are old women.' '

Of course, the whole of these speeches was unintelligible, ex
cept to the interpreter, to whom no opportunity was given to

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 183

translate them, and to the Indians. Great surprise, therefore, was
felt as the Taranteens all sprung to their feet at the name of Sas-
sacus, and attempted to push through the dense circle that sur
rounded them. So solid, however, was the mass, that this was a
work of some difficulty ; even although the politeness of the
angry warriors had restrained them less than it did from jostling
others out of the way ; and, by the time when the foremost In
dian had reached the spot where Waqua or Sassacus had stood,
the Pequot had vanished. They returned, disappointed, to their
places, snorting the name of the redoubtable warrior who had
ventured from his distant river to intrude upon a council of his
enemies, and shaking their heads with resentment. When Mr.
Eliot had explained to the Governor and Assistants the cause of
the excitement, Winthrop endeavored to appease their indigna
tion by expressions of regret, and protestations that he was ig
norant that the famous head-sachem of the Pequots was among
them ; but his words were not attended with much effect, and it
seemed that the council was about to be broken up, when Sir
Christopher asked permission to speak to the Indians. It was
granted ; and to the surprise of all the Knight began, with great
fluency, to address them in their own language. The tones of
his voice were as sweet as those of a bubbling spring, and they
seemed to fall with a soothing effect upon the irritated spirits of
the sons of the forest. What he said Eliot himself could not
understand, for the Knight spoke in the peculiar dialect of the
Taranteens, which varies considerably from the Algonquin tongue
before used. For, besides the general language which received
from the French the name of Algonquin, and was nearly univer
sally spoken all along the border of the Atlantic and far into
the interior, the various tribes had dialects of their own, intelli
gible indeed to a native familiar with the parent speech, but
strange to one who, like Eliot, had only an imperfect knowledge
of it. As the Knight proceeded, those whom he addressed became

184 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

more and more quiet ; and when he ended, they signified their
satisfaction at what he had said by the usual, and now unmis
takable "ugh."

By this time, the last red rays of the setting sun were lighting
up the calm, green surface of Boston harbor, and the council
shortly broke up, to resume its sitting on the morrow. The pro
cession was formed again, and in the order in which they came,
Winthrop, attended by the Taranteens,was escorted to his house.
As Arundel was departing, he felt his arm grasped by some one,
and turning round, he beheld the Knight.

"Where is Waqua?" he inquired, in a low tone. " He was
•tanding near thee when he spoke."

" I know no better than thyself," answered the young man,
" and would gladly be informed. He vanished suddenly, and
without warning."

" I know thee to be his friend, and how thou becamest so.
Thou hast now an opportunity to requite him in kind."

" Show me the way."

" Hie thee, then, to his wigwam, for there likeliest mayest thou
find him, and warn him against peril from these Taranteens, and,
it may be, from the Governor himself."

" Be pleased to explain more clearly, Sir Christopher."

" Waqua is Sassacus, the great head-sachem of the Pequots,
between whom and the Eastern Indians is perpetual hostility. He
has given them deadly cause of offence, and I fear that they mean
to revenge themselves, or that he may commit another imprudent
act. It were better that Sassacus should remove himself away
for the present. But I may not stay longer talking with thee.
Adieu."

Arundel, satisfied of the friendship of the Knight to the Indian,

determined at once to follow his counsel. As, however, Sassacus

had undoubtedly sought the forest, he considered it most prudent

o retrace his steps to his lodging, to procure his gun before ven-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 185

turing into its recesses, where, the prospect was, that he would
have to pass the night. This occasioned some delay, and it
was not until the twilight of the summer evening had faded,
and stars were beginning to twinkle in the sky, that he found
himself on the verge of the woods.

8*

CHAPTER XIII.

For thou wert monarch born. Tradition's pagea

Tell not the planting of thy parent tree,

But that the forest tribes have bent for ages

To thee and to thy sires the subject knee.

HALLECK.

THE young man knew not whither to turn his steps, except to
the hut of Sassacus, which, however, he felt doubtful of his ability
to find at night. No better plan occurred to him than to make
the attempt ; he, therefore, pressed forward, guiding himself as
well as he could by the stars, glimpses of which he caught from
time to time through the branches. He had, however, proceeded
but a short distance, when, without a warning sound, silent as a
shadow, the Indian stood at his side.

"I sought the great chief," said Arundel, contemplating the
renowned warrior, whose name was a synonym with whatever
was generous and daring, with more curiosity than he had re
garded the obscure Waqua — " to warn him of danger."

" Sassacus fears no danger," replied the Indian ; " it is for the
Taranteens to tremble when they are in his neighborhood."

" What will the chief do T '

" He will return to his wigwam, but his brother must not go
with him ; for the Taranteens desire to carry back with them
to-night the scalp of Sassacus."

" Nay, I will go with thee to partake the danger, if there be

188 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

any, but I see no probability thereof. The Taranteens will not
seek the scalp of Sassacus, if he hunts not for theirs."

" My brother knows not that they are owls who fly in the night.
The eyes of Sassacus can pierce the skin on the bosoms of his en
emies, and he saw in them men wandering in the dark, and look
ing for the chief of the Pequots."

" But how are these strangers to find the way ?"

" When did Sassacus ever make a secret of his lodge ? He is
not a beaver, or a wretched wood- chuck, to burrow in the ground,
but an eagle who makes his nest^on the highest trees."

From this reply Arundel could only understand, that the place
where the hut stood was too well known to make it difficult for
the Indians to discover it. There was no knowing what their
audacity, thirst for revenge for the insult, and the opportunity to
capture or destroy so famous an enemy, might tempt them to un
dertake ; but he trusted that the want of a medium of communi
cation (for only the Knight and Eliot, among the whites, as he
supposed, could make themselves intelligible ; and the Aberginians
were not likely to approach the Taranteens) would be an insup
erable obstacle in the way of their purpose, should they enter
tain any such as that intimated by his companion. It was evi
dent, however, that Sassacus expected an attack during the night,
and that so far from shunning the danger, he rather courted it ;
for it was easily to be avoided, by leaving the wigwam to its fate.
There would not be much loss in that, the cabin being rudely
built of bark ; and the few articles of value which it contained
might, in a short time, be removed to a place of safety. Arundel
could scarcely be expected to participate in the feelings of the wild
warrior in the contemplation of a fight with savages in the dark.
Besides, he knew not by how many they might be attacked ; and
the prospect of a contest betwixt himself and Sassacus, on the
one side, and half-a-dozen or more Taranteens, on the other,
may well be conceived to have had in it nothing alluring. He

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 189

would not, however, desert his friend ; and, despairing of changing
the chiefs resolution, he walked in silence after him, turning over
in his mind the possibilities of a night skirmish. Sassacus had,
probably, an idea of his thoughts, for presently he resumed his
attempt to dissuade Arundel from accompanying him.

"My brother," he said, " has no quarrel with the Taranteens.
They have come to smoke the calumet with his people, and not to
plunder his villages and burn his corn fields. Why should my
brother expose his life ?"

It was partly to try the courage of the young man, perhaps,
and partly to ascertain how far he might be depended on, if there
should be a fight, that the Indian asked the question. At any
rate, a suspicion of the kind passed through Arundel's mind, and
he answered :

"My life belongs to Sassacus. It is no longer mine."

" Sassacus gives his brother back his life. Will he not now
return to his big lodge, where he will hear no war-whoop, but
only the pleasant song of the gues-ques-kes in the morning?"

" Cease," said Arundel. " Not if there were as many Taran
teens in the woods as there are leaves on the trees will I desert
thee."

" It is well ; and my brother shall see the difference between
a Pequot and a wretched Tarante en."

All this time they had been walking without haste in a straight
line, the Indian leading the way, and seeming to follow a particu
lar course by instinct ; for he looked not at the stars nor at any
signs, so far as his companion could judge, to direct his steps. In
this manner, they continued to advance, not much conversation
passing until they reached the hut of Sassacus. This they entered :
and, to the surprise of Arundel, the Indian, after throwing down
a few skins for seats, began leisurely to prepare a meal. He lighted
a fire outside of the lodge, which, of course, threw a light all
around, and served to guide the steps of any wanderers, whether

190 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

friends or prowling enemies ; and waiting until the wood was re
duced to glowing coals, threw upon them pieces of meat, whose
pleasant odor soon pervaded the atmosphere. The confident bear
ing of the Indian had, by this time, produced such an effect upon
Arundel, that he did not even ask him why he so unnecessarily
exposed the place of his retreat, but partook of the viands from
the coals, and of the parched corn, which his host produced from
the wigwam, with a hearty appetite. His entertainer observed
his execution upon the meal with marked satisfaction ; and, upon
its conclusion, presented him with a pipe, and, taking one himself,
was soon under its soothing influence. Arundel, unaccustomed
to the use of tobacco, could only inspire a few whiffs, out of com
pliment to the other, and then sat watching him. The fire light
shone full upon the face of the bronze statue — " the stoic of the
woods, the man without a tear" — before him, but no ferocity was
discoverable in its lineaments. It seemed impossible to suppose
that thoughts of bloodshed were passing at that moment through
the mind of the handsome youth, dreamily closing and opening
his eyes, as the clouds from the pipe floated away over his head,
apparently unconscious of danger, intending no ill to others, and
not anticipating it for himself.

After smoking his pipe, the Indian, instead of extinguishing the
fire, threw additional wood, in considerable quantities, upon it ;
thereby still further increasing the wonder of Arundel. He next
invited the guest into the wigwam, and heaping up several skins
in a corner for a couch, said, that he was about to be absent for
a short time, but that his brother might sleep meanwhile in per
fect security. With these words the Pequot departed, leaving
the young man reclined upon his bed, but not to slumber.

Sassacus was gone, it might be an hour, and on his return he
threw himself upon the ground ; and, in a short time, as was ev
ident from his breathing, was asleep. Arundel could not under
stand how any one, who was anticipating an attack from enemies

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 191

from whom he could expect no mercy, was able to rest so calmly.
Had he entrusted the keeping of his life — for in a struggle he
could expect no more quarter for himself than for his companion
— to any other one than the bold and adroit warrior whose fame
for cunning was as great as for bravery ; or had the relations be
twixt himself and the savage been different, he would not have
remained in the cabin a moment longer. But he shrunk from
the betrayal of a want of confidence, and preferred even to risk
life upon the judgment of his wild friend. There lay the chief,
softly breathing, his limbs dissolved in sleep, and wearing in the
subdued light from the fire outside a placid expression, more
like that of the timid deer than of the cougar, whose nature his
own resembled. As for Arundel, so highly were his nerves
wrought up, that had he ever so much desired it, he would have
been unable to sleep. Interminable seemed the anxious hours,
and, as the night waned, he became at last almost incapable of
mastering his apprehensions. But as more than once he was on
the point of waking the sachem, the thought arose that it might
look like cowardice, and he forbore.

At last he heard a sound, which seemed to come from just by
the side of the wigwam, like the whirring noise which the night
hawk makes with its wings. Instantly Sassacus sat up on his
couch, and listened. The sound was repeated, and he rose. He
looked toward Arundel, and with a smile, inquired how he had
rested. The young man, unwilling to confess the state of his
mind, answered in an evasive manner, and the Pequot, after re
garding him a moment with a pleased expression, stepped to the
entrance and cast his eyes up to the stars. After considering
them he returned, and motioning to Arundel to arise, said, with
some humor, that he was sorry to disturb his brother, but that
the skunks he had spoke about were coming, and as he knew
that his brother did not like their smell, he would ask his brother
to go a little way off. Arundel, without altogether understand-

192 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

ing the purpose of his companion, got up, and after examining the
priming of his piece, followed his steps.

The chief led him in a direction opposite to that from which

they came, to a distance of near a hundred rods, when their course

was arrested by the river Charles. Here he stopped, and said —

" My white brother will remain here, while Sassacus goes back

to give the welcome of a great chief to the Taranteens."

Arundel now comprehended the design of the other, but it was
far from being agreeable to him. The idea of letting the Pequot
fight the battle alone was derogatory to his honor, and besides, his
curiosity was stimulated to witness the conduct of the savage, and
he therefore answered with some asperity —

" For what does the chief take me ? Am I a deer to be fright
ened at the whizzing of an arrow, or the sight of a tomahawk ?"

" Sassacus would be grieved should his brother lose his scalp."

" No more. Where the chief is I will be. I am a warrior as
well as Sassacus," replied the young man, beginning to retrace
his steps.

"It is well," said the Indian, following after him ; but when
the Pequots go to war in the night they make no noise. My
brother must not make thunder (and he touched the gun).

" As thou wilt. I have my dagger."

" It is enough. Sassacus is a great chief, and my brother will
obey him for one night."

" In all things, save deserting thee."

" Let my brother come, then," said the chief; "the arrows of
the Taranteens shall pierce my bosom before they reach his."

The two now returned together, and upon re-entering the wig
wam, Sassacus again invited Arundel to repose, but not before he
had removed the skins on which his guest had been lying, into
the back part of the lodge, while he made his own couch near
the entrance. Determined to see the adventure, if there was to
be one, to its termination, Arundel laid himself down to wait for

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 193

what should happen, while the chief stretched himself out, with
his face to the opening. Some brands were smouldering in the
ashes, and they threw an obscure light into the wigwam.

As they were thus lying, Arundel thought that he could hear
once in a while a faint rustling, but whence it proceeded he was
unable, with all his attention, to discover, and at last concluded
it was caused by the wind among dry leaves.

He had now become so accustomed to this state of things, that
the anxieties which he felt in the first part of the night were
gone, and he began to fancy that the expectation of Sassacus was
unfounded. The face of the chief was turned away, so that it
was impossible to determine whether he were sleeping or not ;
from the manner of his breathing, however, Arundel judged that
he was awake. But suddenly the respirations became long and
deep, and he exhibited the indications of a profound slumber.
An instant afterwards Arundel, whose eyes were constantly
turned to the opening, beheld the face of an Indian peering in.
His first impulse was to cry out, but before he could make a
sound, he saw a naked arm emerge from behind some skins which
hung from the upper part of the lodge quite down to the ground,
and bury a tomahawk in the head of the intruder, who fell dead
upon the spot. At the same instant, the dreadful war-whoop
rung through the air, and the chief leaping to his feet, and accom
panied by the warrior, who had been concealed, the two sprung
into the open space in front. Arundel too, hastened after them.
In the star-light no objects were clearly discernible, but dark
figures could be dimly seen, engaged in hand to hand contests, and
the cracking of dry branches under trampling feet could be heard.
These sounds were mingled with thick panting breaths, and oc
casionally the fall of a body on the ground. They lasted but a
few moments, and then a silence succeeded, as deep as if no liv
ing thing were in the forest. As the eyes of Arundel became
more accustomed to the darkness, he beheld a tall form near by,

194 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

which he recognized for that of Sassacus, and immediately ap
proached him.

The chief was standing near the body of a huge Indian, who
was lying prostrate on the earth. He was in the last agonies of
death, and while Arundel was looking on, the sinewy limbs
quivered into immobility. Nor had Sassacus escaped without a
wound. The blood was streaming from a gash in his side, indis
tinctly seen by light from the fire, but he paid no heed to it, and
the result proved it not to be dangerous.

When the dusky warrior had breathed his last, the chief ut
tered a peculiar cry, and immediately half a dozen stalwart men,
several of whom had each a fresh scalp hanging at his girdle, sur
rounded him. He addressed them in their own language, and
from his gestures, and the looks of his companions, Arundel sup
posed that he was speaking of him. He next pointed to the dead
body, and seemed to be giving orders concerning it. One of the
Indians stooped down, and with his knife made a motion as if to
take off the scalp, but being rebuked by the chief, he desisted, and
then lent his assistance to two others in bearing away the corpse.
Aruudel had the curiosity to follow. The three bore the body
to the bank of the river, where, binding it with withes to several
large limbs of trees, they thrust it into the stream, and left it to
find its way to the ocean. A few earnest words, unintelligible to
the young man, were on their return spoken by Sassacus, who
had meanwhile had a styptic applied to his wound. When he
had finished speaking, the Indians dispersed in various directions
in the depths of the dark wood, and the chief beckoning to his
friend, they entered the wigwam, and disposed themselves to sleep,
which delayed not long to close their eye-lids.

CHAPTER XIV.

They spake not a word,
But like dumb statues, or breathless stones,
Star'd on each other.

SHAKSPEARE.

THE time fixed for the audience of the ambassadors on the
next day, was in the afternoon instead of the morning, that all
things might be done with dignity, and an opportunity afforded
to show them the fort erected near the water, and the shipping,
and whatever else might impress them with the power of the
whites. "With this view, the Indians had been committed to the
charge of the deputy Gov. Dudley, and of Sir Christopher Gar
diner, the latter of whom acted as interpreter. The two gentle
men accordingly employed themselves in the course of the fore
noon, in exhibiting to their red friends whatever might, in their
judgment, best subserve the object, and at the moment we meet
them, were standing on the deck of the ship commanded by Capt.
Sparhawk, which lay alongside of the wharf. Of the dozen In
dians who had been at the audience on the yesterday only seven
were present, and they were all the oldest. The whole group
appeared, to a careless observer, stolid and unmoved by what
they saw ; but one who watched them might notice that they cast
inquisitive, though stolen glances, on every thing around. More
over, upon closer examination, he might fancy an air of uneasi
ness among them, as ever and anon they turned their eyes toward
the houses of the settlement, and the forest that lay beyond.

196 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

The jolly Capt. Sparhawk was endeavoring, to the best of his
abilities, to do the honors of his vessel, quite unabashed by the
presence of either Dudley or Sir Christopher.

"What will ye have to drink, my hearties?" he cried, slap
ping one of the biggest Indians on the shoulder, who merely turned
round and stared at the questioner. " To you, gentlemen," he
said, addressing Dudley and the Knight, " I can offer some of
Mounseer's, or Don Spaniard's wine, though to my liking, your
Rosa Solis is the only drink fit for a man ; and I will wager the
good ship Rule Britannia against a cock boat that these devils
will say so too."

" There is no need," said Dudley, roughly. " It were to ob
scure the little intellect these savages have, with that which
serves no purpose, save to convert them into brutes.

The Knight's reply was more courteous.

" At another time, worthy Captain, it were a pleasure to ac
cept thine invitation, but bethink thee that it is early in the day."

" It is near upon twelve," answered the Captain, looking at
the sun, " or I never squinted through a quadrant ; and may it
please ye, Governor, wont ye let the red skins speak for them
selves r

" Nay," said Dudley, " so long as they are within my charge,
nothing stronger than water shall pass their lips."

" But," persisted the Captain, " if all I hear on shore be true,
I take it ye are trying to drive a bargain with them imps. Now,
have ye never noticed that the best time to trade with a man is
when half a dozen glasses have warmed his heart?"

" Peace," said Dudley, " no more of this. We came to see
the ship and not to trespass on thy mistaken hospitality."

" The lubberly milksop !" muttered the Captain betwixt his
teeth. " But what," he added aloud, " are the red skins looking
at so sharp out to sea ?"

While this conversation had been going on, the attention of the

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 197

savages had been arrested by an object floating on the water. It
rose and fell on the heaving sea, at one moment visible, and at
the next hid from view. At first it had been impossible to say
what it was. It might be a spar, or plank, or any part of a ship
wrecked vessel. The tide was coming in, and the object became
more and more distinct, until an old sailor, whose experienced
eyes had also been attracted sea-ward, exclaimed,

u Captain, I'm a green hand, and never weathered the Cape,
if there ben't a man lashed on yon spar."

"By St. George's cross, but I believe thou art right, Dick
Spritsail," cried the Captain. " It's some poor fellow, I warrant
me, whose ship has gone down, and who made a raft to try his
luck. Johnny Shark, do ye see, is no pleasant customer to be
come acquainted with, and so he took a venture on the spar for
a Christian burial, instead of making Jonah's viage."

" It's no Christian," replied Dick, " unless the waters in these
latitudes have the faculty to turn a man black."

The sailor had hardly pronounced the last words, when one of
the Indians, divesting himself of the skin that covered his shoul
ders, leaped from the side of the ship, and swam in the direction
of the object which had attracted their attention. It would seem
that his keen eyes, like those of the sailor, had detected the
body, and that, unable to repress his curiosity, he had taken this
method to satisfy it. Amid the loud and wondering exclama
tions of the white men, and the subdued gutturals of the Indians,
whose straining eyes betrayed their interest, the swimmer, with
lusty strokes, breasted the green billows as they came rolling into
the bay. When he reached the floating mass he carefully exam
ined it, and then raised a wail sadder than the cry of the loon
over the dark waves, when it anticipates the coming storm. It
was responded to by his companions on board the ship, in a yell
of mingled rage and grief, that was heard in all parts of the vil
lage, and far over the water.

198 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" What possesses the imps now ?" cried the Captain, as two
more Indians, following the example of their tribesman, plunged
into the water. " I wonder what they have found1?"

" Send a boat after them, Captain, if thou wilt do me a plea
sure," said Dudley. " It seems to be something wherein they
take a great interest, and it will be only friendly to furnish them
assistance."

" O, ho ! old bear, canst growl sweetly enough an' it suits thy
purpose," said the Captain to himself. " But it shall never be
said that Jack Sparhawk was an unmannerly lubber. Halloo,
half a dozen of ye," he cried aloud, " run aft and lower the boat,
Bear a hand, men ; move quick," he added, as they came run
ning from the bow, where they had been standing, toward the
stern. " Jump in Bill," he continued, as the keel of the yawl
touched the water, " take a couple of men, pull after them red
skins, and bring 'em ashore, with whatever they have found in.
the offing."

In a very short space of time the boat was pulling away into
the harbor, and soon reached the object of the search. It turned
out to be an Indian, being no other than the warrior Pieskaret,
whose corpse the wily Sassacus had committed to the river
Charles, wearing the unshorn honors of his scalp, in order to
avert suspicion from himself, and fix it on the whites. For
rightly did the sagacious chief judge that no Taranteen could be
induced to believe that an Indian would forbear to possess him
self, if he were able, of the coveted prize, especially that of so
mighty a warrior as Pieskaret. And with regard to the Pequot in
particular, he, of all, after the provocation of yesterday, would be
the last, if he had slain Pieskaret, to be supposed capable of an act
of so great self-denial.

The sailors found the Taranteens around the raft, and push
ing it ashore. In spite of the remonstrances of the savages,
which the white men did not half understand, they unlashed the

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 199

body from the boughs, and taking it into the boat, pulled for the
land, closely followed by the swimmers. As they approached
the vessel, they were ordered by Dudley to take it to the wharf,
and he and the Knight, followed by the natives, descended the
side, and advanced to the spot where the boat was to land. Here,
when they arrived, a considerable group of persons had collected,
and were examining the corpse.

So short a time had passed since the breath left the body, that
it still looked fresh and life-like. There, extended on the sand,
lay the strong, bold man, who but a day before had boasted of
his prowess, and of the terror of his name ; now a dog might in
sult him with impunity. A deep wound gaped upon his breast,
and the water had not washed all the clotted blood from his
head. His countenance wore a look of deadly ferocity, and it
was evident that he had died as a brave man should, with his
face to the foe.

The Taranteens, after the first burst of feeling, looked on in
gloomy silence, and began to cast glances of distrust and appre
hension around. The scalp-lock of Pieskaret was untouched. He
had fallen then in no conflict with Indians. His companions
had escaped with the body, and launched it on the water, in order
to apprise them of what had happened, and of their own danger.
In low tones they addressed each other, and drew aside for con
sultation.

Meanwhile a thousand comments were made by the bystand
ers. A cloud rested on the weather-beaten face of Dudley, and
over the whole group, except the Knight, whose equanimity no
circumstance seemed able to disturb.

" I suspected mischief," said Dudley to the Knight, when this
morning, only half the number of the savages presented them
selves ; and no\v doth it pass my understanding how this misera
ble wretch lost his life."

" It is seldom that a brawl disturbs our peaceful settlement,"

200 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

said Sir Christopher, " and I have heard of none during the night.
Has your worship obtained knowledge of any such 1"

" Of none. And now will great scandal, and even infamy rest
on us, by reason of this most untoward event. I fear me that
our position with reference to these Taran teens will be worse than
it was before, and that now they will be converted from indif
ferent neighbors into relentless enemies, unless we discover and
deliver up to them the murderer, and even that will hardly re
store confidence."

" Nor can we say that the man was murdered. It is hard to
set a limit to the unbridled passions of savages ; and it may be
that it was in self-defence, or in the endeavor to prevent some
other grievous wrong, that whosoever killed him took his life."

" A mystery doth enshroud the affair. Where lost the man his
life, and by whose hand, and for what cause ? It could not be
where they camped in the night. We heard no disturbance, no
signs of violence are to be seen, and the other Indians would
have known. If Indians killed him, why took they not his scalp,
and why set they him floating on the water ? Herein it looks
like the foolish prank of drunken sailors. But then what cause
of such enmity could there be ? for all was done very quietly.
And what has become of the missing Taranteens? Are they
too killed, or in the forest on their way home ? Has Sassacus
any hand in this matter ? Be it as it may, the bold partizan of
the Pequots must be looked after."

" It is as thou sayest, hard to determine," answered the Knight ;
" but if Indians were concerned in this most lamentable deed,
strange has been their conduct. Such truly is not the custom
ary manner of the natives to dispose of their enemies. Wonder
ful forbearance indeed, and disregard of the traditions and super
stitions of the tribes must it require, to allow an enemy, when it
can be prevented, to step upon the happy hunting grounds, bear
ing the un violated honors of his head."

THE KNIG-HT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 201

" It may be," replied Dudley, " that his foes were unable to
tear away the bloody trophy ; that before they could do so his
body was rescued by his companions."

" But how account for his being launched upon the deep ? Is
this an Indian mode of disposing of friends ?"

" My mind is as perplexed as thine. I will consider the thing
more maturely hereafter. Thou knowest their heathen tongue.
Step forward, may it please thee, and try to calm their irritated
spirits, assuring them of our friendship and grief at what we can
not explain."

Thus requested, the Knight advanced, and commenced a speech
to the savages, to which they listened in moody silence. What
he said was of course unintelligible to all except the Indians, but
it appeared not to produce a favorable impression. No sound,
whether of approval or the contrary, escaped their lips, as, sur
rounding the corpse of their companion, they regarded it with
ominous brows, until the Knight concluded, when an Indian ad
dressed him in reply.

" How hast thou prevailed?" inquired Dudley, when the Tar-
anteen stopped.

"Alas!" replied Sir Christopher, "no representations which I
can make are sufficient to soothe their exasperation or allay their
suspicions."

"Ask them," said Dudley, "after their other companions."

A howl of rage, and a few rapid words, were the return to the
inquiry.

" What means that f said the Deputy Governor.

" They say that they suppose they are following the footsteps
ofPieskaret."

" If such be their belief, then farewell to any treaty or relations
of amity with them. They will soon turn their backs upon both
our hospitality and friendship."

The words of the Deputy Governor were indeed prophetic, for

9

202 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the Taranteens, now stooping down, raised their friends' corpse
from the ground, and bearing it in their arms, proceeded to their
canoes, which were lying at a little distance on the beach. In
one of them (not without efforts on the part of the whites to in
duce them to change their determination) they deposited the body,
and covering it with skins, took their paddles into their hands
and pushed from the shore.

" They are gone," said Dudley, as they receded from view ;
" and many a weeping wife and mother may rue this miserable
day. Better that the tawny heathen had remained in their track
less forests, listening to the deluding lies of the French emissaries,
than come hither as spies upon our condition, and to take advan
tage of our supposed weakness."

"Is it possible," inquired the Knight, " that thou believest not
in the sincerity of the professions of peace made by these poor
savages ?"

" I trust them not," answered the suspicious Dudley. They are
of the seed of the serpent ; and as well might one expect light
from the caverns of the earth, as fidelity and truth from Indians."

"I pray thee, be not so harsh of judgment," said Sir Christo
pher. "I have some knowledge of the tribes, and have observed
that they are ever mindful of favor, however studious of revenge ;
nor is it their wont, without provocation, to break their word.
Canst thou say that the Taranteens have departed without seem
ing justification'?"

" I suspect that these savages know more of the fate of their
companions, and of the cause of the death of this Pieskaret than
they choose to disclose. The longer my mind broods over the
subject, the more am I convinced that, without fault on their part,
they would not have drawn upon themselves destruction."

But this was a view of the case which seemed to find no favor
with Sir Christopher. With a courtly grace and insinuating ad
dress, without contradicting the other, but rather by the recital

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 203

of acts of generosity and evidences of nobleness of spirit which
had fallen under his own observation among the Indians, he en
deavored to dispose the Deputy Governor to a milder judgment.
But the prejudices of Dudley were too deeply rooted to be
removed by persuasive manners, or tales however skilfully
framed.

The unfortunate result of the embassy was deeply regretted by
the colonists. They .had looted forward to it as a means of in
creasing their security, and establishing a trade from which they
hoped to derive large profits. They must now renounce both
expectations. Henceforth their cabins were to be guarded with
greater vigilance than ever, and the courted trade was to remain
monopolized by the French. Moreover, the evil would probably
not end there, but distrust and apprehension spread among the
tribes ; and if such a feeling were to become universal, and a
general union be the consequence, the condition of the colony
might become one of extreme danger. The character which the
whites would then sustain would be that of men disregardful
of the most sacred obligations ; of wretches who, after offering
the rights of hospitality, had taken advantage of the unsuspecting
confidence of their guests to murder them. It was true, that
the whole twelve ambassadors might have been destroyed, and
a part were suffered to leave ; but it was feared that the undis-
criminating minds of the savages might not give proper weight
to the consideration, or might ascribe it to some policy which
was the more dreadful because so mysterious. It was seen now
how great had been the mistake in permitting Sassacus, the ter
rible chief of the Pequots, the most dreaded and implacable foe
of the Taranteens, to be present at the council. Him the Tar-
anteeris had seen in apparent good understanding with the Eng
lish, and been made the subject of his taunts in their presence.
Might they not justly consider this a strange way of courting an
alliance ? True, the English knew not that Waqua was Sassacus,

204 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

but would the Indians believe it ? Nor had they known, until
the interpreter explained, and until it was too late to seize the of
fender, what he had uttered ; but would the Taranteens, amid
the excitement of feeling mourning over the loss of friends, much
regard that ?

CHAPTER XV.

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods.

CHIZDE HAROLD.

WHEN Arundel awoke after that fierce night, Sassacus had al
ready left his couch and was preparing their breakfast. The
young man stepped to the door-way of the lodge, and looked
out upon the sylvan scene.

Nothing to remind of what had occurred was visible. A
shower had fallen at daylight, and obliterated all traces of vio
lence. The rays of the early sun were shining in the rain drops
glistening on the leaves or falling in showers to the ground, as
the branches were agitated by the breeze, or shaken by a bird fly
ing from one perch to another. No sounds other than those
made by the feathered musicians, or the rattling drops, disturbed
the tranquillity of the forest. After gazing round a few moments,
while the contrast betwixt the serenity of Nature and the pas
sions of man forced itself on his mind, he threw himself down by
his red friend, and together they shared the morning repast. The
curiosity of Arundel induced him to inquire, what had become
of the Indians, who had rendered so timely a service the night
before.

" The breath of Sassacus," replied the chief, " called them out
of the ground, and his breath bade them depart. My brother

206 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

will forget what he saw in the dark. It will be to him like a
dream."

Arundel understood by this, that he was desired to be silent
respecting what had happened, and indeed no caution was neces
sary. He, therefore, said, in answer :

" None shall know the exploits of Sassacus till he tells them
himself."

" If Soog-u-gest asks, my brother may tell. He and Sassacus
lie under one skin."

Thus betrayed itself the simple vanity of the savage, who, with
all his caution, was unwilling that his prowess should remain
concealed ; yet preferred its announcement from some tongue
other than his own. It was the iirst intimation to Arundel that
the Knight and chief were acquainted, though Sassacus had once
before spoken of Sir Christopher. But the words of the Fequot
implied more, viz : that an intimacy existed between them, and
this stimulated his curiosity. The anxiety of Sir Christopher
that the Indian should be warned of the danger which threatened
him, was now explained. They were friends, but why should the
Knight conceal the fact?

" Has my brother been long acquainted with Soog-u-gest,"
inquired Arundel.

"Ne-ka-tunch nee-zusts," (six moons), replied the Indian,
holding up six lingers.

" Will the chief tell me what he pleases about him ?" said the
young man, whose ingenuous nature revolted at any attempt by
insidious questions to extract from the savage a knowledge which
he desired to conceal. It appeared unworthy of himself, and a
wrong to both his friends. " I know little of Soog-u-gest, and
would like to learn more."

The fine, bold face of the Indian looked pleased at the frankness
of Arundel, and, it is probable, that he was more communicative
than if he had been adroitly questioned. Plis native subtlety

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 207

might then have taken alarm, and cunning been met by cunning-
But Sassacus felt no desire, on his own account, for concealment.
The two young men had been strongly attached to each other
from the first, and on the side of the Indian, at least, was spring
ing up a friendship for the other, more like that which Plato
celebrates among the Greeks, or Cicero dilates upon, than the
feeling of modern times.

" Listen, my brother," said the chief. " It is more than six
moons since Soog-u-gest came into the woods. Sassacus was
laughing when he said that six moons only had lighted the path
betwixt him and Soog-u-gest, but he is not laughing now. The
white chief built his wigwam in the woods because he loves the
Indians and the sound of their language, and Sassacus loves him
for that reason, and because he has sat in the lodge on the pleasant
bank of the Pequot river, and ate venison with Sassacus from the
same fire. All Indians love to hear him tell how great and happy
they might be. He knows more of the tribes than any other
white man, and has been far toward the setting sun, even beyond
the country of the Maquas. Soog-u-gest is very wise, and his
eyes pierce far into the darkness. And now let my brother bend
down his head, so that not one of my words may be lost. Soog-
u-gest has promised to teach the Indians to become wise and
powerful like the white men. Perhaps now that my brother
knows that, he will help."

" But Governor Winthrop and the ministers will teach all that
can be taught you, and so will all the English."

" My brother is mistaken," said Sassacus, earnestly. " Sachem
Winthrop's men are jealous of their great Manito, and do not
wish to teach the Indians how to talk with him, lest he should
like us better than themselves. Now, we want to know how to
talk with the Manito who instructed them in so many things.
If they are good for Owanux, they may be good for us too."

" Certain am I, Sassacus,1' said Arundel, " nothing would de-

208 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

light the noble heart of the Governor more than to have you
Christians."

" Sassacus wishes not to be a Christian. He was born an In
dian, and will live and die true to the traditions of his race.
Christian is good for Owanux, but is very bad for the red men.
The beavers build dams in the streams, while the eagle flies
among the clouds. The English are beavers, but Sassacus is an
eagle."

" But how can you attain to the knowledge of the white men,
without becoming like them f •

" My brother must not be angry when Sassacus says, that is a
pappoose question. See ! I can teach my brother to make bows
and shoot arrows. Can he not instruct Sassacus how to make
guns, and the little black seeds which cause the lightning ?"

" That is not so easy as thou thinkest. I know not myself
how to make guns, and the powder which thou callest seeds."

" Toh !" replied the Indian, shaking his head, " my brother is
afraid Sassacus might hurt himself with the lightning."

" Why should the chief doubt my word *? I tell thee that only
certain men among us make guns. They are all brought from a
great island beyond the sea."

" The English are very cunning. They make them in secret,
so that the Indians may not learn."

" It grieves me that my friend thinks I speak to him with two
tongues. But I will not be offended. Are we not brothers *?"

" When my brother loves Sassacus more he will tell him all
about these things, and they will then have one head and one
heart."

" They both belong to Sassacus now. But what does he in
tend to do ? Will he return with me to Boston ?"

" Let my brother go to Shawmut, and if there is any danger
he will let me know. Sassacus will remain."

" You judge rightly. There were peril in showing thyself
there now. But how shall I find thee again V

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 209

" When my brother journeys in the forest, and would see
Sassacus, let him make a noise like the Gues-gues kes-cha, and
Sassacus, or one of his sanops will find him." He whistled the
peculiar note of the bird, (the robin,) and smiled at the awkward
imitation of Arundel.

" Good for Indian. My sanops, when they hear, will know
who is the Gues-ques-kes-cha."

Thus parted the two friends. As Arundel pursued his lonely
way, he kept running over in his mind the events of the day be
fore, and of the past night. He admired the sagacity and cou
rage of the Pequot Sachem, who, assisted either by his own men,
or friendly Aberginians, had been able to take a bloody revenge
for the attempt on his life. But no satisfactory reason occurred
to him why the body of Pieskaret should have been fastened to
the raft. It seemed a wanton act of bravado, which he could
not reconcile with the known qualities of Sassacus. Conceal
ment and not exposure, he thought, should have been the policy,
but on the contrary, the very course had been adopted most likely
to lead to discovery. Why again, he thought, is the chief of a
distant tribe lurking in these woods ? He surely can cherish no
evil design against the colony, for there is no misunderstanding
betwixt the English and the Pequots.

His thoughts then dwelt upon the Knight, and upon his con
nection with the savage. Who was this man, who, in the flower
of his age, and with all the accomplishments of a gentleman,
chose to retire from the world, and with his sad companion, im
mure himself in the woods ? He was no sour anchorite, who re
garded with displeasure the innocent enjoyments of life, nor did
he appear to be an unprincipled adventurer, who had fled from
restraint in the old world, in order to give license to his passions
in the new. He was evidently a man of consideration in the co
lony. He was treated with attention by all, courted by the
whites, and held in high estimation by the Indians. That such

9*

210 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

a man as Sir Christopher Gardiner should adopt that wild life of
seclusion, did not indeed strike the mind of Arundcl with the de
gree of surprise wherewith our own are affected, for it was a time
of adventure and romance ; the poetry of life was not bound up
principally in books, but was acted out in deeds ; and the occur
rence of daily wonders, while it destroyed their singularity,
abated curiosity on their account. Hence men expressed no as
tonishment at the course of life of the Knight ; hence, when Arun-
del became acquainted with him, he felt none, and it was only
upon more intimate acquaintance — after Sir Christopher began
to take an interest in him ; after he had noted the influence ex
ercised by the Knight over the ambassadors ; and after he had
discovered, as he supposed, a community of aims betwixt the
Knight and Sassacus, that his curiosity awoke. To judge from
the communication of the Indian chief, it would seem as if the
Knight were a sort of missionary among the natives, to teach
them the arts and practices of civilized life ; but nothing that
Arundel himself had noticed, justified any such suspicion. All
he knew of Sir Christopher was, that he was passionately fond of
the chase, which frequently led him deep into the forest, and had
been known in some instances to detain him several days away
from home.

As for the pale lady who, always clothed in black, appeared to
be devoured by some secret sorrow, and whom the Knight called
his cousin, it did not seem at all strange that she should love re
tirement, to indulge the sad luxury of grief. A bruised heart
loves darkness and silence.

The conclusion to which Arundel came was, that it was partly
affection for his fair cousin, and partly a love of adventure, which
had brought Sir Christopher for a season to America, and that
his kindness to the Indians, and familiarity with them, had in
duced Sassacus, and perhaps others, to indulge hopes as wild and
improbable of execution, as their ignorance was boundless. Pur-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELIOE. 211

suing these meditations, he proceeded on to the settlement, and
arrived at the wharf, whither he was attracted by the little
crowd a short time after the departure of the Taranteens, who
were still in sight.

It was at the moment when the Knight was about to part from
the deputy Governor, that the young man came up. He remark
ed the disturbed countenance of the latter ; but that of the former,
whatever he felt, betrayed no emotion.

" Young sir," said Dudley, " I have not seen thee for a long
time. How continues Master Arundel to like the new world?"

" Indifferently well," replied Arundel. " Of every land, new
or old, something favorable may be said."

" I observe thou dost hanker after the flesh pots of Egypt, and
art lean in the midst of abundance. It is because thou lackest
those views of truth, and that sustaining faith which can make
all trials welcome for their sake."

" Methinks," said the Knight, with a smile, " that the fair
rosy cheeks, and rounded limbs of our young friend, indicate no
want of the reasonable comforts of life."

" I doubt not," said the rough Dudley, without heeding the ob
servation, " that to them who come hither through an idle curiosity,
or for wanton pastime, or for purposes still more unworthy, this
fair land possesses only temporary attractions ; but for those who,
with faith in the promises, have cast in their lot with the people
of God, it is the land of promise. Here from altars unpolluted
by the abominations of Rome, and free from the besotted mi
micry of the Church of England, so called, shall ascend hosan-
nas from the Church and the armies of Israel. Here, into the
congregation, shall enter nothing that telleth a lie, or causeth to
offend."

He bowed formally, and involuntarily grasping with his left
hand the sword that hung at his side, departed.

" Rude, unjust, fanatical, I had almost said blasphemous," ex-

212 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

claimed the Knight, looking after him. " Ungracious Dudley !
success crown all thy plans, whereon the true church shall indeed
set her seal, and confounded be the devices of her enemies."

" Softly," with no heightened color, with no elevation of the
voice, with eyes turned up to heaven as if he were uttering a be
nediction, spoke Sir Christopher. " And now, Master Arundel,"
he inquired, taking the young man's arm, " hast found Sassacus ?"
Arundel did not hesitate, after the permission given by the In
dian, which rightly seemed more like a request, to acquaint his
friend with the adventures of the night. Sir Christopher listened
attentively, making no comment till the narrative was concluded.
He then said :

" The mystery of the morning is explained." And now, in
his turn, he related the discovery of the dead body and the indig
nation of the Indians, and pointed to their canoes fading in the
distance.

" The circumstances," he added, " in which we have obtained
knowledge of the secret locks it per force in our breasts ; and,
besides, Sassacus is faultless, having only protected thy life and
saved his own, which is an additional reason. But, aside from
these considerations, I see not how the disclosure could be attended
with any advantage. The chief hath not shown himself hostile,
or done aught to make himself amenable to our jurisdiction.
Were the story to get wind, it could only excite more the re-
vengefuL feeling of the Taranteens and the ill-will of malignant
spirits among us, who, through the Pequot, have been disappointed
in expectations of trade."

There was no difference of opinion between the two, and it
was understood that they should be silent on the subject,

" Master Spikeman," said the Knight, addressing the Assistant
who now met them, " it is a pity we had not the benefit of thy
prudent counsels in a matter that hath just happened ; yet do I
trust that our conduct will be approved by thy better judgment."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 2lS

" Sir Christopher Gardiner stands in no need of the sanction
of my poor opinion for anything it may please him to do," an
swered Spikeman. " But resolve me your riddle."

"Know you not that the ambassadors have left in anger?"

" I know it, and the knowledge fills me with foreboding sor
row."

" Whether we should have detained or allowed them to depart
in their present frame of mind, is the question which T would sub
mit to thy decision ?"

" I presume not to arraign any conclusion, whereunto either
the worshipful deputy or Sir Christopher Gardiner may arrive.
Doubtless, they acted after grave consideration."

"Yet, being asked, tell me, with thy usual candor, Master
Spikeman, what you yourself would have done in like circum
stances?"

The Assistant saw the snare, and determined that the Knight
should derive no advantage from the question. He perceived
that the object was to estop, by his admissions, any objections to
the course pursued in permitting the Taranteens to leave, which
he might afterwards be disposed to make. He, therefore, replied:

"Never be it said that I officiously obtruded an opinion ; but,
Sir Christopher, thus urged, I confess that it had better pleased
me had the savages been detained. Opportunity might then
have been afforded to disabuse their ignorance and convince them
of our innocence."

" I will not say thou art in the wrong, but if the excellent
Dudjey erred, it is a strange departure from his ordinary admi
rable judgment."

" I pray thee to understand that I impugn not the action of
the judicious Deputy Governor ; but wherefore gave you not —
you who are so well acquainted with the nature of these heathens
— advice to stop them for the present?"

" And how know you I gave it not ? But truly, Master Spike-

214 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

man, I did not. I trust I am not forward to speak before princes.
For what saith Holy Scripture : ' Even a fool, when he holdeth
his peace, is counted wise ; and he that shutteth his lips is es
teemed a man of understanding.' Yet had I seen any imminent
danger from allowing the departure of the savages, believe me I
had spoken, even at the risk of incurring the dishonor to see my
counsel rejected."

" It is evident, Sir Christopher, that you have grave doubts on
the subject. Now, methinks, it had been well to remember (casting
aside, as an inconvenient garment, these scruples) what the wise
king of Israel also said, in another place : ' Where no counsel is,
the people fall ; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.'

" It pains me," answered the Knight, whose courtesy increased
with the other's coldness, " not to obtain thine approval. But,
Master Spikeman, now that we are alone, (for Arundel, at the
very beginning of the conversation, without greeting, or in any wise
noticing, the Assistant, had passed on and was out of sight), I
avail myself of the good chance to avow my anxious desire to
secure thy friendship."

" If such truly be the wish of Sir Christopher Gardiner," re
turned the Assistant, " it is a thing easy to be compassed."

The countenance of the Knight lighted up, as he replied, " I re
joice greatly at thy words."

" But," continued Spikeman, " I am a man of deeds and not
of words. I will be plain with you, Sir Christopher, and show
you that it is no fault of mine that I have been unable (however
much desiring it) to look upon you as a well wisher of mine, but
your own. Have you not interfered in favor of, and harbored,
that Philip Joy, convicted of contumelious language against the
magistrates and elders, and whom, I have reason to believe, is
specially evil-disposed toward myself; and are you not now in
open familiarity with, and a supporter of this young man, who
but just now parted from you ; who deigned not, even by a look,

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 215

to notice me ; and whose business here seems to be to scatter re
ports intended to work detriment to my character ? It is conduct
like this which hath separated us one from the other."

" Master Spikeman," said the Knight, deprecatingly, " the re
lation wherein I stand to Philip is of public notoriety, and, there
fore, cannot be unknown to you ; and, meseems, is sufficient to
excuse the slight favor I show him. Yet, herein will I approve
myself loyal unto my regard for thee. I believe thou errest in
ascribing an evil intent on the part of Philip, but if he cherish
any such, I will take order with him, which shall redound to thy
satisfaction. As for this Master Arundel, thou layest more stress
upon a casual acquaintance with him than it deserves. I coun
tenance him not. I attach no more consequence to what he may
say than belongs to the prattle of a beardless boy. Wouldst
have me rude to one who enlivens my solitude, being fresh with
news from the old world, and who visits me only through a like
love with myself of sylvan sports'?"

" I presume not to dictate to Sir Christopher Gardiner," said
Spikeman, coldly, " who shall be his associates, or what course in
any respect he shall pursue. You will remember that your ex
culpation (such as it is) was volunteered by yourself."

The eyes of the Knight fell to the ground at this ungracious
reply, so that his resentment, if he felt any, was hid under
their drooping lids. A faint suffusion passed over his face, but
after the pause of a moment, he extended his hand with a smile,
while he said :

" I will find means to dissipate this delusive cloud that inter
poses itself betwixt us. Meanwhile, accept my hand, in token
that, however changed thyself, I remain the same."

It was impossible to refuse to take the hand so offered, but it
was with no cordial grasp the Assistant received it : and the two
parted with feelings of aversion to one another, strengthened by
the interview.

CHAPTER XVI.

And, Douglass, more I tell thee here,

Even in thy pitch of pride, —
Here, in thy hold, thy vassals near,

* * * *

I tell thee thou'rt defied.

MAKMIOX.

THREE weeks followed after the events recorded, without the
occurrence of anything deserving special mention. The life of
the colonists went on as usual, in erecting new tenements, in cul
tivating their farms, and in such other occupations as their situa
tion made necessary. But little was seen of the Knight in the
settlement, it being understood that he was amusing himself as
usual in the sports of the forest. He did occasionally, however,
make his appearance in the village, in the prosperity of which
he manifested an interest. Notwithstanding the slighting manner
in which he had spoken of Arundel, and the displeasure of Spike-
man at the favor which he showed the young man, his conduct
toward him remained unchanged. As before, Arundel was fre
quently at Sir Christopher's place, and often accompanied him
on short expeditions, though never on distant excursions, which
required several days.

The interest of the young man in the Knight increased daily.
Sir Christopher's manners were so gracious, his temper so sweet

218 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

and equable, and the sentiments he expressed so noble, that it
was impossible an ingenuous youth should escape their fascina
tion. Yet did Arundel fancy that the attachment which he felt
was hardly returned. It might be a mere fancy springing from
a jealous sensitiveness, which is disappointed if it be not paid in
the full measure of its own coin. Perhaps the inexperienced
youth was unreasonable in expecting from his senior, schooled to
greater caution by intercourse with the world, the demonstrative-
ness which characterized his own conduct. Be it as it may, upon
more acquaintance, the Knight seemed to his young friend to re
semble nothing so much as a polished rapier, which, while it
shines to the eye, is cold to the touch. Of the pale lady Ger-
aldine he saw little. He had noticed accidentally a circumstance
in reference to her, for which he was unable to account. Having
arrived late one afternoon at the residence of the Knight, he
found, upon inquiring after him, that he had been absent several
days, and was not expected to return for two or three more.
Arundel then asked to see the lady, but was answered that she
was confined sick to her room and unable to receive any one.
Late as it was, for the sun was setting, he was preparing to re
turn to the settlement, when he heard sounding from the edge of
the forest the Knight's hunting horn. He stepped to the outer
door, and beheld Sir Christopher advancing with the lady.

The former was habited in his usual hunting gear, while the
dress of the lady G-eraldine consisted of an over-coat of dark
cloth, falling just below the knee, fitting tightly about the
chest, and rising high into the neck. On her feet were mocca
sins, of the natural russet shade of the leather, laced up the
calf of the leg, so that they nearly reached the skirt, and on her
head she wore a black leather cap, ornamented with an ostrich's
feather, beneath the protection of which her hair fell down in
plaits upon her back. The dress was a mixture of the civilized
and of the savage, and as she approached, with a little color in

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 219

her cheeks, occasioned by the exercise, Arundel thought that she
looked even beautiful. Her manner appeared to him to betray
confusion, but there was no embarrassment on the part of the
Knight. He welcomed his visitor with his customary politeness,
merely inquiring how long it was since he had arrived, adding,
that his cousin had been persuaded to accompany him on a hunt
ing expedition, for the sake of her health, which would account
for the disorder of his house. The two were accompanied by
several natives, among whom was the little girl ; but their hunt it
would seem had been unsuccessful, for they had not much game.
A falsehood had been told by the domestic, evidently to conceal
the absence of the lady, which Arundel could explain only on
the supposition that it was designed to mislead others and not
himself, and was said to him only because the servant was unable
to discriminate.

In spite of the vigilance of Spikeman, Arundel, aided by the
cunning of Prudence, and the connivance of the Assistant's wife,
had two or three times seen Eveline; and the lovers, with protes
tations of eternal fidelity, encouraged each other to look forward
to happier days. Philip Joy too, though in disobedience to the
orders of the Knight, who had strictly commanded him not to
put foot upon the soil under the jurisdiction of Winthrop, con
tinued to keep up a communication with his mistress. Pretty
Prudence, like a beleagured city hard bested, kept the enemy
Spikeman at bay ; nor did he, with all his parallels and cir-
cumvallations, make any progress. Not so, however, thought
the Assistant, (for what man cannot the cunning of a coquette
deceive "?) who every once in a while fancied the fortress was
about to capitulate. Whenever he began to despair, a few sweet
smiles, or a word of encouragement, were sufficient to re-kindle
hope ; for though the girl hated him, she yet took a mischievous
pleasure in practising her caprices on him, and keeping him dang
ling at her aprou strings.

220 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

Such was the state of things, when one morning a canoe was
seen entering the harbor of Boston, containing a couple of
Indians. They paddled directly up to the wharf, where several
persons were standing, looking on, while others were engaged in
various employments connected with commerce, and sedately
stepping on shore, one of them hauled the canoe upon the beach,
beyond the rising of the tide. This being done, they advanced
in the direction of the group of white men. The one who was
evidently the leader, as well fvom his walking first, (the other
stepping in his track,) as well as from the superior richness of
his dress, which was the skin of a moose loosely disposed over
his shoulders as a robe, and that of a deer divested of its hair,
beautifully tanned, and painted in bright colors, for a breech
cloth, with the feathers of some bird in his scalp lock ; while the
garments of his follower were merely deer skins dressed with the
hair ; pronounced, as soon as they came within about a rod of the
white men, the single word " Taranteen," and then both stopped.
So similar were the dress and general appearance of the Indian
tribes to one another, that the eye alone would have been insuf
ficient to detect a difference ; but the utterance of the word indi
cated at once to which one the new comers belonged, and their
desire to have it immediately understood. Various questions
were now asked by the curious, who thronged around the sava
ges, but no answer was returned save the word Taranteen, and
some words that sounded like an attempt at French.

The gallant Captain Sparhawk, who, to judge from the part he
took in the conversation, and the emphasis wherewith he ex
pressed his opinions, was the principal personage present, having
exhausted his stock of Spanish, and German, and French phrases
which he had picked up in his trading voyages, as well as sundry
uncouth sounds it was his pleasure to call Indian, in a vain at
tempt to make himself understood, at last decided that the only
proper course was to take them before the Governor. At the

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 221

mention of Winthrop's name, the Indian's face was lighted up
with a look of intelligence, and he made a motion with his head
as though he knew for whom it was intended.

" Do ye see now, my hearties," cried the gratified Captain,
" the ignorant beggar understands me after all. I mistrusted,
from the beginning, that he was only playing 'possum, as they say
down in Virginny. For look ye, ye lubbers, it would be strange
if a man who has been buen' camarada with the Spaniard, and
guter Gesell with the Dutchman, and parley wood with Mounseer,
and made the weight of his ship in gold for his owners, out of
these here salvages, shouldn't be able to speak their gibberish.
It's not so hard after all, do ye see, when one gets the weather
guage of it. But here, some o' ye, gallivant the red skins up to
the Governor, (a good enough fellow in his way, I dare say, if
he were not so d d hard on drinking healths,) with my com
pliments, with the compliments of Capt. Sparhawk, (do ye hear?)
and let him know how they drifted ashore. And hark ye, if he
should be inclined to a little agreeable conversation with the
tanned hides, just let him send me an invitation, and I shall be
happy to officiate as interpreter. Heave ahead, Bill Pantry, and
take command of the squad. You've been long enough under
my command to know how to do the honors in a gentlemanly
way."

Accordingly Bill Pantry, in obedience to the orders of his
Captain, which seemed to the bystanders the most sensible sug
gestion, took possession of the Indians, and escorted them to the
Governor's house.

It so happened, by an accident, that the invaluable services of
Capt. Sparhawk, as a linguist, were not needed on the occasion,
for upon the strangers being announced by one of the soldiers on
guard at the door, the Knight of the Golden Melice was found
to be with Winthrop.

As the Indians entered the room, Winthrop rose, and with

222 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

great urbanity, offered his hand to him who appeared to be the
principal. To his astonishment, however, the Taranteen extend
ed not his own.

" How is this ?" exclaimed Winthrop. " Is this intentional
discourtesy, or are ye ignorant of the customs of the English ?"

Hereupon the principal Indian uttered a sentence or two, un
intelligible to Winthrop.

" Thou dost understand the language of the Taranteens, Sir
Christopher," he said. " May it please you, who are so happily
here, to explain his meaning ?"

" He says," replied the Knight, " that he has been sent as a
messenger by his nation, and that he hopes you will respect his
character."

" Surely," said Winthrop. " How could he imagine the con
trary ? Who can impeach our faith ?"

" You forget," said the Knight, " what suspicions must have
been engendered by the unhappy termination of the late em
bassy."

" It will be difficult to persuade me," said Winthrop, " that
it was other than a broil, wherein our people had no part. I can
not be deceived," continued he, waving his hand, observing that
Sir Christopher was about to reply, " by the cunning stratagem
resorted to, for the purpose of averting suspicion. But a truce
with this. Say to him he is as safe as his child, if he has one, in
his wigwam. What says he now?" he inquired, after the Knight
had interpreted his words, and the Indian replied.

" Pie asks where are the four companions of Pieskaret."

" Tell him I know not, but suppose they have either returned
to their homes, or been destroyed by hostile Indians."

When this was explained, the stately savage sadly smiled, and
shook his head. He then spoke again.

" He says," answered the Knight, to the look of Winthrop,
"that it -is not the custom of Taranteen ambassadors to run

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 223

away, and that they know how to protect themselves from the
Aberginians."

" I protest," said Winthrop, " that, however different my own
opinion, I do half believe that these blinded savages in fact im
agine their tribes-men were murdered by the whites. To be de
plored is it that such an opinion should get footing among them,
staining as it doth our good name and pregnant with many pos
sible evils. Assure him, Sir Christopher, of my grief at what
has happened ; of my sincere desire to discover how Pieskaret
lost his life ; of what has become of his missing people ; and of
my readiness, if it can be shown that an Englishman has in any
wise connection therewith, to render to the Taranteens perfect
satisfaction."

The Indian listened to all this with the deepest attention as it
was explained to him, and then replied :

"Pieskaret is gone, and his kindred will see him no more
The eyes of his wife are swollen with weeping, and his children,
like little birds in the nest, open their mouths for food ; but Pies
karet comes not to fill them. His feet were like those of a deer,
and his voice like the shouting of the great salt lake on the rocks.
"Woe is me, for I shall see my brother no more. But he is glad
on the happy hunting grounds of brave warriors. It is well with
him : we know where he is, but we know not where are our
brothers who were with Pieskaret. We know that the English
love slaves, and we fear that they have made slaves of our bro
thers. We will turn away our eyes from the widow of Pies
karet and his little children, and will stop our ears so that we
cannot hear their crying, and forget the fate of Pieskaret, if the
white chief will return our brothers."

" Alas ! unhappy that I am," said Winthrop, " that this new
suspicion should fill the minds of the savages. Assure him, upon
my faith as a Christian — upon my honor c\s a gentleman — make
the asseveration as solemn as thou canst — that he suspects us
falsely."

224 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

But the grave chief abandoned not the idea. With eyes
searching the countenance of the Governor, he said :

" The Taranteens will give many belts of wampompeag and
will heap up their canoes with skins for Owanux, as a ransom
for their tribes-men."

" Tell him," said Winthrop, " that, overlooking the insult of
doubting my word, if they Avere to give me belts of wampompeag
extending from here to the sun, and skins to cover the ground
from Shawmut to his country, I could not restore his tribes-men,
for I know nought of them."

" When my brothers came to visit the white chief, they placed
themselves in his keeping and feared not the darkness, for they
knew that he was very powerful. They slept like a pappoose on
its mother's bosom."

"I understand," replied Winthrop, " thou would' st make me
responsible in particular for the misfortune of thy friends ; but my
conscience reproaches me not. If they are dead, it is probably
in consequence of their own default ; and, I repeat, I believe not
that an Englishman had a hand in their destruction."

Here the Taranteen, who acted as spokesman, turning to his
companion, uttered a sentence ; whereupon the other, feeling in
the folds of his deer skin robe, produced a pipe, the bowl of which
was made of a reddish clay, into which was inserted, for a stem,
a reed beautifully ornamented with black and white shells, and
bright colored feathers of various birds. This the orator received
from the hands of his follower, and again addressed the Gov
ernor :

" The Taranteens are a great nation, and they love peace. It
pleases them to see the smoke as it ascends from the calumet. It
is more beautiful to their eyes than the white summer clouds
which protect them from the heat of the sun. They would be
glad to smoke with Owanux, but they cannot do it now, because
should they attempt it, the blood of Pieskaret would put out the

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 225

fire and the groans of his four brothers would agitate us so that
the pipe would fall from our hands. I want the white chief
to strengthen our hands, so that we can hold the calumet firmly,
and perhaps that will satisfy Pieskaret too."

"I understand him," said Winthrop, after the Knight had in
terpreted, " but. let him proceed."

" If the white chief will deliver to us the murderers of Pies
karet, and release our brothers from slavery," said the Taranteen,
slowly and impressively, "it is well, and we will smoke with
Owanux and forget what has happened ; but if he will not," —
and here his voice sounded like the growl of a bear, as, putting
his hand into his bosom, he took out a small package and handed
it to Winthrop, — " we speak to the white chief thus :"

The Governor received the package, and saw that it consisted
of a tomahawk in the centre, around which were placed several
small arrows tipped with a red dye, and tied together with the
stuffed skin of a rattle-snake, the rattles of which sounded as he
took the ominous present into his hand. He waited composedly
until the Knight had explained the words, though he compre
hended at once the meaning of the savage, and then answered :

" If the Taranteens are a great nation, they are a nation ot
fools, else why do they not listen to my words ? 1 tell thee a
white English chief cannot lie ; the Great Spirit will not permit
a Christian chief to lie. In vain have I asserted our innocence
in this matter ; in vain have I expressed sorrow, and humiliated
myself to thy reproaches. But the' English know how to treat
those who, faithless themselves, believe not in the faith of others.
Behold!" ^,r x

Winthrop drew his rapier, and cut the snake skin so that the
tomahawk and arrows fell apart. Placing the skin upon a table,
he next took up the arrows, and, breaking several at a time, let
the pieces drop at his feet. Then seizing the tomahawk, he dashed
it with such violence on the hearth of the fire-place, that the

10

226 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MKLICE.

handle flew off and the stone head was broken. Lastly, taking
down from a nail in the wall whereon they hung, a powder-horn
and pouch of bullets, he filled the skin with powder and ball, and
held it out to the Taranteen.

" Return now to thy people," he said, looking at the Indian
with a stern aspect, " and tell them what thou hast seen and
heard. Tell them that, though the English love peace, they fear
not war. Tell them that we have never wronged the Taranteens
by word or deed, nor is it our intention now to punish them for
their injurious suspicions. But tell them also that, as I have
broken their arrows and dashed their war-axe in pieces, so will
I serve them, if the north- wind brings to my ears a whisper of
evil designs from them. And as I have stuffed the snake skin
with powder and ball, so will I fill their bodies with the same.
Return."

As Winthrop uttered these words with a firm voice and im
posing manner — words so explained by his actions that they
needed no interpretation — he was confronted by the Taranteen
with a dignity equal to his own. The demeanor of the savage
was as calm as if he were smoking a pipe in his wigwam. He
quietly followed every motion with his eyes, listened with all at
tention, as if he understood what was said, and, when Winthrop
had concluded, took the loaded skin and handed it to his fol
lower. The inferior Indian shrunk as he received the portentous
powder and shot in their strange envelope, but whatever appre
hensions he felt, he succeeded in conquering them, taking care
however to hold the missive at a little distance from his person.

" Tender now our hospitality," said Winthrop to the Knight,
" so long as they remain among us."

" But the Taranteens showed no disposition to accept the offer.
Something was growled by the principal one, which Sir Christo
pher interpreted to intimate a desire to Depart.

11 Be it so," replied Winthrop. " Moulton," he added, calling

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 227

a soldier, "take with you Gamlyn, and escort these savages with
all civility to their canoes. And should they desire anything to
promote the comfort of their return, let it be furnished and
placed to my account."

The orders of the Governor were explained to the Indians by
the Knight, and they left the room in the care of the soldiers.

" Sir Christopher," said Winthrop, on their departure, " this
is a miserable coil. Now will these misguided savages, instigated
I doubt not by the emissaries of Rome, soon be yelling upon our
borders, and seeking to imbrue their hands in our blood. Were
we dealing only with the natives, there might be some hope of
soothing their ferocity and averting an outbreak of their insane
rage ; but nothing can be done with the Jesuit — more subtle than
the serpent, more fell than the Hyrcanian tiger."

" Have the disciples of Loyola penetrated to this fierce tribe ?"
inquired Sir Christopher.

" Art thou ignorant that the cunning father Le Jeune, the
daring Brebeuf, and I know not what instigators of mischief be
sides, are said to be among them f Pity is it truly that so much
learning and so great zeal should be expended in so bad a cause!"

" It was known before I left England that these men had made
some little progress among the natives in Southern America,
where gold and silver abound ; but who would have looked for
them in these colder and comparatively inhospitable regions ?
May there not be some error in this matter, and our fears of the
dreaded Order have converted interested and malignant traders
into members of the so-styled Company of Jesus ?"

" It may be so, for our information is not so accurate as I wish
but this we do knowj that a strange activity hath of late mani
fested itself in the movements of these foul conspirators, against
uncorruptfed Christianity the world over ; and only a short time
since was it that godly Mr. Eliot discovered, on the neck of a
squaw, one of their brass idols made into the image of the Cruci-

228 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

fied, which, in righteous indignation, he took away from the
woman. Deluded and deluding, alas, if they have found their
way into this land !"

" li: is not necessary to suppose the presence of any member of
the Company of Jesus, in order to account for the image on the
neck of the Indian woman. The French traders are Catholics,
and one of them might have given it to her."

" True ; yet doth my jealous mind connect these men with
every perversion and corruption of Gospel tiuth. They are at
this moment as well the plotting mind as the executing arm of
the rotten Church of Rome. The spirit cf Loyola would seem
lately to have left Hades, to animate his followers upon earth.
Be sure, Sir Christopher, that where error and mischief are, there
is the Jesuit."

"L io ever a consolation," said the Kivgjii, devou-ly, " and in
especial in 'hese troublous times, thri the Founder of the Church
hath piomised to be with her to the ei-tl of the world, and that
the gates 01 hell shall noo prevail agaii-si; Lev.*'

"If they have stolen among the innocent na lives Io intercept
that knowledge of divine truth wliicli it is oar purpose to im
part, we will, by God's grace, defeat their designs and bring to
naught their inventions. In this Christian work it may be my
desire to engage your services, Sir Christopher."

" It needs njt that I should make protestations of zeal, or
offers of my poor self ; yet do my feelings prompt me to say that
my badge * the honey-bee,' is not more diligent in colleciing his
precious store than I will be in such a ruuse."

" Then expect to have thy zeal and courage put to the test.
Should I request thee to visit the Taranteens in their own coun
try, what would be thy reply?"

The Knight paused, as if the question was of importance suffi
cient to require consideration, so long, indeed, that Winthrop
thought it proper to resume.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 229

" I know," he said, " that it is a service not unattended with
danger ; yet d.'d danger never frighten a noble soul, but doth
ever act as an incentive. There is no one save thyself well ac
quainted with the tongue of these savages, (Mr. Eliot's knowledge
thereof, I observe, is imperfect, and he is in other respects but
poorly qualified for the enterprise), and who would be able to
make the impression upon them and obtain the information which
I desire."

" Disclose more perfectly your wishes, right worshipful sir,"
said Sir Christopher.

" I call thee to a danger which, possessed I thy marvellous
skill in languages, I myself would meet. I will unbosom myself.
The thought of a conflict with the Taranteens distresses me. It
can result only in ruin to them and injury to the budding pros
pects of our colony. Our interest is peace. We want trade
with the natives. We want their confidence. Without the lat
ter there can be no trade, neither can we counteract the plots
of our enemies, nor find opportunity to introduce the Gospel
among them. The mysterious calamity which befel the embassy
hath sadly shaken my expectations ; but I am unwilling to aban
don the field. What means are in my power I will apply to
restore a good understanding. "Moreover, I would be more fully
assured of the truth or falsehood of the reports that there are
Jesuits among the Taranteens. Where is the man more compe
tent to take upon himself this important trust — one which hath
for its object to prevent effusion of blood — to detect the traitorous
plots of a wily and deadly foe, and to advance the cause of una
dulterated religion, than thyself?"

The Knight bowed in acknowledgment of the compliment, but
said nothing.

" I seem to see the finger of God displayed," continued Win-
throp. " For this very purpose wert thou sent among us;
yet, noble sir, notwithstanding the importance of the object to

230 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

be attained and the honor to accrue to him who shall secure
them for us, let me not urge thee unreasonably. Seest thou im
minent danger in the enterprise, undertake it not. I pray thee,
without regarding aught that I have said, to act according to thy
better judgment."

" It was through no apprehension of peril that I was silent,"
said the Knight. " Danger and I have been too long acquainted
to distrust one another. I did but turn over in my mind the
proper means to accomplish your designs. I place myself at your
disposal, and am only rejoiced that (lamenting the occasion) I can
be employed in any manner to advance a good work."

" Heartily I thank thee, Sir Christopher, for the cheerful ten
der of thy service, though it was only what was to be expected
from a man of thy chivalric temper. I will take this thing into
further consideration, and will shortly acquaint thee with my
conclusion."

" And, meanwhile, I will prepare myself to fulfil the wishes of
your worship," answered the Knight, preparing to take leave.

" Commend me," said Winthrop, " to the friendly thoughts
of Lady Geraldine, with sincerest hopes that the peace which
surpasseth understanding may nestle into her heart to chase
away her melancholy, and may her steps be guided unto the
true fold, where only safety is to be found."

" With many thanks," returned the Knight, " I seek! my her
mitage in the woods."

CHAPTER XVII.

" A something light as air — a look —
A word unkind, or wrongly taken —

Oh, love ! that tempest never shook,
A breath, a touch like this, hath shaken.'

MOORB.

SIR CHRISTOPHER, on leaving the Governor, proceeded in the
direction of the hostelry, where he had left his horse ; and on his
way was greeted with one of those sights to be seen only in this
strange commonwealth. It was a woman in the stocks, being no
other than an old acquaintance, Dame Bars, the wife of the
jailer. The good woman possessed a kind heart, but she was not
perfection. She had a weakness for a pot of ale ; and, if justice
had in anywise been done to the proportion of malt therein, it
was very apt to make her eloquent to an extraordinary degree.
On these occasions, feeling herself to be clearly in the right, she
found it difficult to endure contradiction, considering it excess
ively unreasonable and rude, and expressing her sentiments there
upon with great freedom. In one of these moods, she had been
overheard by Master Prout, in a colloquy with one of her gos
sips, contrasting the " wearyful and forlorn" condition of women
in the colony with the merry times she used to have in England ;
and upon her friend suggesting a few words in favor of the
change, bursting out with sundry epithets more sounding than
musical, and more energetic than complimentary.

232 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

We will not pretend to say whether Master Prout was more
scandalized by the sentiment of dissatisfaction at the colony, or
by there proaches lavished on the other goody, who, indeed, to
do her justice, was not slo.v in the use of that formidable
weapon wherewith Nature, as if to make amends for physical
weakness, has armed the lovelier sex. It may be that both com
bined roused his righteous indignation, in consequence whereof
Dame Bars had to expiate the sins of her tongue by silencing its
eloquence in a cleft stick, and cooling her heels in the stocks.

But the appearance of the poor woman was now anything but
belligerent. So far from manifesting a refractory disposition,
her face was covered with her hands, and tears of shame and
mortification were stealing through the fingers. Pier husband
was standing by her side, and endeavoring to comfort her, while
Master Prout, with his long staff, was threatening some idle
school boys, who, with the mischief natural to their age, were
showing an inclination to proceed to extremities against the cap
tive, which was not approved by the grave custode of order.

As the Knight drew nigh, a feeling of pity was excited in him,
and he stopped, and addressed some words to the officer of the law.

" I am unwilling," said Master Prout, in reply, " to refuse
any thing to a gentleman so highly esteemed by the Governor, as
yourself, Sir Christopher, and therefore will I release the woman ;
but truly was it my intention to detain her an hour or two longer,
in order that she might have time for serious and profitable re
flection. Verily, as saith James, in his epistle, the tongue can no
man tame ; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."

" Methinks then," said the Knight, smiling, u thou hast per
formed an achievement which holy St. James himself might deem
a miracle, for the good dame's tongue is tame enough at present."

Master Prout' s demure features ventured as near to a smile at
the jest, as his principles would permit, and then approaching the
woman, he unfastened the stocks, and allowed her to withdraw
the imprisoned members.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 233

" Good woman," he said, "thank this noble Knight for thy
deliverance, and may this be the last time that these wooden bars
shall contract a friendship for thee."

So spoke Master Prout, with a twinkle of the eye at the Knight,
on account of the good thing wl dch he fancied he had said, and
the woman lost no time in extricating herself from durance. Her
face was crimsoned with blushes ; she dropped a curtsey to the
Knight, and hurried off with her husband.

" Master Prout," said the Knight, as he turned away, accept
my thanks for the courtesy, and believe me that thou hast made
me so much tliy friend, thou hast only to express a wish, and if
it is in my power it shall be granted."

On arriving at the inn, Sir Christopher ordered immediately
his horse, and mounting, rode homeward. At a slow pace he
proceeded through the streets, and allowed the animal, with the
rein lying loose upon his neck, to follow the winding path in the
forest. No adventure befel him on his solitary ride, and in due
time he reached his home. He was met by Philip Joy, to whom
he delivered the horse.

" Is the Indian whom I left in thy charge^afe T9 he inquired.

" He is, Sir Christopher," answered the soldier.

" Sassacus has not seen him, I trust."

" No one has seen him but myself. I have faithfully followed
your orders, and kept him like a rat in a trap. He takes to eat
ing and sleeping prodigious kindly, and has shown no disposition
to do any thing else."

" It is natural he should do so, and you have acted with dis
cretion."

With these words Sir Christopher entered the house, and
straightway proceeded to find the Indian. He was lying on the
floor, apparently asleep, but at the noise of the opening door,
roused himself and sat upright.

" How have my people treated Mesandowit in my absence f
inquired the Knight.

10*

234: THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

7 • . "..Well," answered the savage. " Mesandowit has eaten, and
; drank; an<J slegt^ and is, refreshed.", ; _.; - 1 ^

" Is he ready to return to his?pwn poultry?" ?. , .

" Mesandowit is ready." . .. ,- ., • • ,

" When the trees cast long shadows he shall return, and I will
go a little distance with him, lest he should meet the Aberginians."

" Good— and now Mesandowit will sleep." He stretched him
self again upon the skin, which served for a couch, probably not
entirely rested after the long and rapid journey he had made, and
disposed himself to slumber. The Knight, on leaving him, went
to the door of the lady's apartment, and gently rapped.

It was opened by the Indian girl, and he was immediately ad
mitted.

" Celestina," said the Knight, looking first at her and then at
her little attendant, " I have something to say to thee."

" Neebin," said the lady, addressing the child, " may run about
in the woods a little while."

When the girl had departed, the Knight, seating himself at
some distance from the lady, opened the conversation.

" Celestina," he said, " there has been of late a want of that
frankness which characterized our intercourse at our arrival in
this country, and for some time thereafter. Will you not tell
me the cause ?"

" Sir Christopher," replied the lady, " a suspicious mind is
ofttimes deceived by its imaginations. Wherein, pray, has been
a change in my conduct ?"

" Nay. I know not that I can say, in this and in that thou
hast not trusted me, but I feel that it is so."

" Look into thyself, Sir Christopher, and there wilt thou find
the cause. The outer world is but a reflection of the inner."

" I protest, Celestina, I am not altered. Thou art to me as
ever, my trusty and valued associate, bound to me by ties of pe
culiar significancy, and as sacred as those which commonly unite
man and woman.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 285

" It is my dearest wish that thou shouldst feel the full force of
the obligation they impose on thee."

" Do I not ? Have I not labored with untiring diligence to
promote the end we both have in view ? Wherein have I failed ?
Point out the error, and I will correct it."

" I do not presume to be so bold. The masculine energy of
Sir Christopher Gardiner is not to be guided by a woman."

" Alas! Celestina," said the Knight, with some feeling, "were
we not joined in this holy enterprise because it was supposed the
fulness of the one might supply the deficiency of the other 1 O,
turn not away so coldly."

" My warm devotion, my active zeal, shall never be wanting to
the work whereunto we are pledged ; and if any feeling hath
arisen inconsistent with the harmony that should unite us, I am
not sensible that it springs from any fault of mine. But you ex
aggerate," she added, smiling, " my momentary sadness into un
necessary importance — a sadness wherewith thou mayst have no
connection."

" Thou canst not deceive me, Celestina. I have profited little
by the lessons of this world, and feeling was given me in vain, were
I incapable of noticing the change in thee. There was a time
when thy spirit, like a musical string in accord with another, vi
brated in harmony with mine — but it is no longer so."

" Thou art importunate, Sir Christopher. Wilt thou not be
lieve what I say *?"

. " Pardon me if I am over urgent, and ascribe it to the value
I attach to my lost treasure. It sweetened the solitude of exile,
and made me almost forget the attractions of stirring Europe.
But thou dost not, and canst not deny my complaint."

" Is there not enough in the circumstances wherein I am
placed, to agitate the timid heart of a woman, and account for her
unreasonable caprices ? Why persist in connecting them with
thyself as the cause ?"

236 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" This is not the first time that I have vainly endeavored to
discover wherein I have offended, that by the humiliation of my
self, or by any other means, I might restore the unison that be
fore existed between us. I conjure thee, Celestina," he said,
approaching and taking her hand into one of his, while with the
other he drew back a curtain on the wall, which, on being with
drawn, exposed to view the carved figure of Christ extended on
the cross, " by the Captain of our faith, whose soldiers we are,
to put away this estrangement, which if it does not defeat, may
hazard and retard our mutual plans."

The lady withdrew not her hand, but allowing it to remain in
his, stood up. She bowed her head before the crucifix, and mur
mured — Dainine Jesu speravi in te. Turning then to the Knight
she said —

"Sir Christopher, look upon that sorrowful face, and that
drooping head, bleeding under the points of the accursed thorns.
Thy sins and mine gave them their sharpness. Gaze upon
the hideous nails that pierce those blessed hands and feet, and
upon the blood trickling from that divine side, and say, canst
thou be untrue to him ?"

i " Woman ! Celestina ! what meanest thou ? Why this solemn
adjuration ?"

" Thou wert dedicated to a service," she continued, her pale
face flushing with enthusiasm, " to which nobles and kings, the
proudest and noblest of easth, might aspire. Do thy devoir, and
incalculable will be thy reward ; fail therein, and the doom of
Judas were heaven to thy fate."

"Thou art mad, Celestina. Some dreadful delusion hath
blinded thy understanding. Hear me now" — and he bent down
and kissed the feet of the image of the Saviour, and then raising
his head fixed his eyes upon it — " per ad vent um tuum, per nati-
vitatem tuam, per baptismum et sanctum jejunium tuum, per cru-
cem et passionem tuam, per mortem et sepulturam tuam, per

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 237

sanctam resurrectionem tuam, et~per admirabilem ascensionem
tuam — T am guilty, truly, of weakness and ignorance, and unin
tentional sin, but not of want of faithfulness to that whereunto
thou hast called me."

" Sir Christopher ! Oh ! Sir Christopher," cried the lady, fall
ing at his feet, "Wherefore, when I besought thee before to
explain thy conduct, did you treat me so slightingly ? Wherefore
ever refuse to satisfy my questions?"

" Because I considered them unworthy of thee and me ; be
cause I regarded them as the petulance of a passing feminine
curiosity ; because I knew not how serious was thy desire ?"

" Deus adjuva me /" sobbed the lady.

" Rise, my sister," said the Knight, assisting her to a seat.
" Henceforth let no distrust exist between us, and, that it may be
so, inquire, and I will answer as at the confessional."

Of the conversation which ensued we shall give no account,
save that, at its conclusion, tears were flowing plentifully from
the eyes of the lady, while the Knight seemed puzzled at her ex
traordinary emotion.

" Celestina," he said, "thou art moved beyond what thy venial
fault requires, forgive thyself as freely as I forgive thee."

" Thou knowest not all my sin," she answered, " nor dare I
trust it to the air, lest my own words should strike me dead.
Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis /"

When the Knight left the room, she fell upon her knees before
the crucifix and buried her face in her hands. She remained in
this position for perhaps a quarter of an hour, during which time
only an occasional sob escaped her, and then rising, passed into
an inner chamber.

As for Sir Christopher, neither did he make his appearance
until late in the afternoon, when he emerged from the house in
the company of the soldier Joy and the Indian, whom he called
Mesandowit. The course they took was in a northerly direc-

238 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

ticn, and as they proceeded, the Knight was engaged in earnest
conversation with the Indian. In this manner they went on
long after the sun had set, even until the position of the stars
announced that the hour of midnight was at hand. There must
have been some danger to the savage feared by the Knight to in
duce him to lend his escort thus far. But they met nothing to
excite apprehension. Silence reigned throughout the unviolated
forest, unbroken save by the cry of a night bird, or the stealthy
step of some wild beast stealing through the thickets, or the
cracking of dry branches under their own feet, or their mur
mured conversation. It was at least six hours since they left the
house of the Knight, and the distance passed over could not be
less than eighteen or twenty miles. The three stopped, and, be
fore parting, it seemed that the Knight was desirous of impress
ing more strongly on the mind of his red companion something
which he had already been urging.

" Has what I have said sunk into the ears of Mesandowit ?"
he asked.

" It has sunk very deep, even as a stone when it falls into the
great salt lake."

" Will he remember the place ?"

" He will remember it. MesandoAvit once took two scalps
there."

Self-possessed as in general was Sir Christopher, the reply
startled him ; but the association in the mind of the savage was
too obvious to excite alarm long, and it was without feeling any
he replied. He thought proper, however, to remind the Indian
of the friendly relation he stood in to his tribe and of the favor
he had done them.

" The Sagamore and his Paniese," he said, " who brought the
defiance of the Taranteens to the English, have returned safe to
their people. Let not the Taranteens forget when I come to
visit them that they spoke through my mouth, and that I stood
between them and the anger of sachem Winthrop."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 239

The Taranteens never forget. Mesandowit will tell them how
Soog-u-gest flew to Shawmut, when Mesandowit, of the swift
foot, brought a message from the sachems of the Taranteens, that
they desired him to take care of the two warriors who brought
the red arrows tied up with with a snake skin as a present to
Owanux. The Taranteens are a great people and forget not a
benefit,"

" I am unable to fix the exact time ;" said the Knight ; " but
the young moon that looks now like the eye brow of Mesandowit,
will probably not be round before we shall meet again."

They parted at these words, and while Sir Christopher and
Philip turned their faces homeward, the Taranteen pursued the
same direction in which they had been traveling. Fatigued with
the distance they had come, it was now with a more leisurely
pace the two proceeded, and, walking for the most part in silence,
the sun had risen before they reached home.

CHAPTER XVIII.

When shaws beene sheene and shrads full fayre,

And leaves both large and longe,
lit is merrye walking in the faire forrest,

To hear the small birdes songe.

BALLAD OF ROBIN HOOD AND GUT OF GISBORNE.

THE project of Governor Winthrop of sending an embassy
to the Taranteens met with general favor among his councillors.
All agreed that war with the ferocious savages was, if possible,
to be avoided under any circumstances, but especially now when
the English must appear to the natives to be stained with the
crime of a dastardly breach of faith and murder unparalleled in
atrocity. The conduct of Winthrop in returning a bold defiance
to their threats, was also approved, (for in treating with them, an
exhibition of a want of co?'fidencc would be considered a con
fession of weakness, and only serve to precipitate the calamity
to be avoided,) but it complicated the diUkulty, if that were pos-
siblo, and embarrassed any attempt at reconciliation. The Tar
anteens were felt to occupy a position of great advantage, and
likely to attract the sympathy of the Indians generally, and even
to unite tribes before hostile to one another against the perfidious
Owanux. To the Taranteens no blame could be attached. They
had been guilty of no breach of faith ; they had acted like brave
and honorable men. Even after the outrage upon them they had

24:2 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

respected their wild code of honor, nor would commence hostili
ties, until like the snake, whose warning rattles they sent, they
had apprised the enemy of their intention. But the challenge
had been given and accepted, and a state of war initiate!. Soon
might their war-parties be expected to fill the forests, cutting off
stragglers and attacking any bodies of men which they should
deem inferior in strength to their own. Hence the danger of
traveling in the woods, and especially of attempting to penetrate
into that remote region, the habitation of the hostile tribe was
greatly increased. Where was the man daring enough to en
counter the peril unless supported by a military force, which
would give the embassy more the appearance of a foray than of
a tender of peace? Such an armed band would only invite at
tack. Besides it was inconvenient, and indeed of the highest
detriment to the colony, to take off so many able-bodied men as
would be necessary for the purpose, from the cultivation of the
fields, and those other industrial pursuits upon which the existence
of the colonists depended, even though they should all return safe
to their homes — a result by no means to be expected.

When, therefore, Winthrop suggested Sir Christopher Gardiner
as a proper person, from his familiarity with the habits of the
natives, and his knowledge of their language, to undertake the
enterprise, it is no wonder that the proposition was favorably re
ceived. All felt it to be a service of danger ; it was highly de
sirable that it should be attempted ; no one was so well fitted for
it as the Knight ; and were the effort at reconciliation to termi
nate fatally, the loss of no one would be less regretted by several
of the Assistants. For there were among them some who were
no friends of the Knight, and would gladly have had him out of
the colony ; either not liking his intimacy with the natives, or sus
picious of the circumstance, that, although he had offered to unite
himself with the congregation, he had, somehow or other, never
done so, either in consequence of doubts entertained respecting the

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 243

soundness of his faith, or some unknown cause. This feeling
was heightened by a jealousy of the favor enjoyed by the Knight
with Winthrop — a favor which, some declared, warped the better
judgment of the Governor. In proof of this, they pointed to
the remission (at the intercession of Sir Christopher) of a part of
the punishment of one Ratcliffe, who had incurred the vengeance
of the law, and also of the indulgence shown to Philip Joy. At
the head of these malcontents was the Assistant Spikeman — one
who, by his evil propensities and incapacity to appreciate the
noble sentiments of Winthrop, stood to him in a certain relation
of hostility. For there is no law more prevailing than that evil
hates good, compelled thereto by the very constitution of its
nature. Indeed, it is evil by reason of that hatred ; when that
ceases, evil ceases also.

By no one was the proposal to entrust the business to Sir Chris
topher, if he would accept it — for the cautious Winthrop did not
allude to the understanding betwixt himself and the Knight —
received with more favor than by Spikeman. He was eloquent
in praise of the qualifications of the proposed envoy, and de
rided the danger, expressing a conviction that it would be easy
for him, if he chose, to restore peaceable relations. The qualifi
cation in the speech of the Assistant was noticed by Winthrop,
and he intimated astonishment at the suspicion, and wonder at
the willingness of one who felt it, to entrust tho commission in
such hands. But the artful Spikeman easily extricated himself
from so slight a difficulty, alleging, as the cause of the doubt, the
want of that Christian bond on the part of the Knight, without
which no one could be entitled .to the entire confidence due to one
in full communion.

When the Assistant left the Council, he debated with himself
how, if Sir Christopher accepted the service, he might join Arun-
del, and the soldier Joy with him. Could he succeed, he consi
dered that he would be in a fair way to rid himself at once of

24:4: THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

three persons who interfered with his designs. The heat of his
animosity was directed indeed principally against Arundel and
Joy, the Knight coming in for a portion as their favorer and
abettor. But in the pursuit of an object, no scruples of conscience
ever interfered with the plans of Spikeman, willing to involve
alike friend and foe in one common destruction, if so only his
purposes could be accomplished. Pie calculated somewhat upon
the bold temper of Arundel, and also upon his regard for the
Knight, by whose side he doubted not the young man would be
willing to defy any danger to which the other would expose
himself.

With this view he took care, by means of his spy, Ephraim
Pike, to acquaint Arundel with the honor intended for Sir Chris
topher. The expedition was represented by Pike as a mere party
of pleasure, and as affording fine opportunities for observing the
tribes in their native haunts. The good sense of the young man,
and the experience he already had, taught him better than to re
gard it exactly in the light wherein the spy exhibited it ; but,
though conscious that there must be danger, in the excited con
dition of the Taranteens, he could not believe it to be great, else
neither would Winthrop ask such exposure of life, nor would the
Knight accept of the enterprise. As for what danger was to be
encountered , it rather stimulated than deterred in the desire to
partake of it, as the lion hunt has greater attractions for the
hunter than the chase of the deer. Some w< >rds dropped from
Pike about the woodcraft of Joy, and his bravery ; but he dared
not speak plainer for fear of betraying himself.

The information of Pike, it seems, was not without effect, for
early on the morning of the following clay, Arundel started for
the habitation of his friend, taking with him what he considered
necessary for a distant journey in the woods. The distance was
passed over in a couple of hours ; but, early as it was, he found
that a messenger had anticipated him. This he discovered, as

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 245

well from the language of the Knight, who stood in the porch of
his house with a letter in his hand, as from the appearance of the
man with whom he was conversing, whom Arundel perceived
was one of the soldiers who ordinarily mounted guard before
the door of the Governor.

" This," said the Knight, handing the letter to the messenger,
" to Governor Winthrop, and a fair return to thyself."

The man took the letter, and, after making the military salute
of the period, turned on his way to Boston.

" Here has come," said Sir Christopher, after the usual greet
ings, " a request from the Governor that I would undertake an
embassy to the Taranteens, to soothe their excited minds and
prevent an outbreak."

"May I inquire what is your reply ?" asked Arundel.

" How canst thou doubt ? Surely, where honor and good
deeds invite, no true knight can turn back."

" I am to understand, then, that you have accepted the office
of mediator ?"

" I have accepted the trust, hoping that good may grow out
thereof."

" And when is it you purpose to depart f

11 Incontinently. The matter brooks no delay."

" Then have I a petition to prefer, which, I hope, will meet
with the same favor as the Governor's. Let me attend thee on
this journey."

The suddenness of the request appeared to embarrass the
Knight for an instant ; but it was only for an instant.

" Hast thou fully considered," he asked, " the perils whereunto
thou dost expose thy young life "? What would be the condition
of Eveline Dunning shouldst thou never return ?"

" My life is not more valuable than thine, and the situa
tion of Eveline would be no worse than that of thine own
relative."

2i6 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Aye, but consider the difference in our positions. Glory, duty,
summon me irresistibly ; whereas, thou hast no calling other than
curiosity."

" Say not so," exclaimed the young man, with feeling. " I
will not deny the motive assigned ; but believe me there are
others, whereof you would not disapprove."

" May I know them ?•"

" Needs it that I should say how greatly I admire thee ; how
gladly I would follow in thy knightly footsteps ; how any peril
would be welcome, if partaken with thee V

Sir Christopher turned away. " I did not think," he said to
himself, " his affection was so great."

" Master Arundel," he replied, walking back, " I do prize
thy friendship more than precious jewels ; but I were untrue to
that love, should I expose thee to danger. For myself, I were a
recreant, and no knight, could I, because of danger, refuse to
obey a call to benefit my fellow men ; but, for thee, it is a
reckless and unneeded temptation of peril. Deem me not un
kind, but think it is my love and anxiety that speak in your
behalf."

" It is the first request I have made to thee," said Arundel,
" and, if refused, it shall be the last. I shall be compelled to be
lieve you consider me unworthy of your friendship, too effemi
nate to bear a walk of a few days in the forest, and unreliable
in the hour of trial."

The voice of the young man trembled, and his whole manner
betrayed his wounded feelings.

" Hear me, my young friend," urged the Knight ; " hast thou
well weighed the terrors thou would' st seek I It is not merely

death thou dost defy ; but, holy Ma , holy angels, what a

death ! Canst thou endure to have thy tender flesh pierced with
splintered sticks ; thine eyes torn from the sockets ; the flames
greedily dashing over thy head, and licking up, as with the

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 247

forked tongues of serpents, thy blood, hissing as it drops upon
the glowing brands ? And this for the poor satisfaction of being
with me ; for thou canst not afford protection, should the Indians
attempt outrage. Alas ! how bitterly would the sorrow of my
own fate be enhanced by the consciousness of thine !"

" I have considered all these things, and they move me not. I
admit the possibilities of the painting, but no more. The con
duct of the Taranteens proves how high stands with them the
point of honor and the sacred estimate wherein they hold an em
bassy ; else never would they have ventured upon one like the
second, after the unhappy termination of the first. I partake
not of thy fears."

" Then, if not with the unthinking heat of youth, but with
thoughtful deliberation, thou hast well weighed the matter, I will
not deny thee, and thou shalt visit with me these savages, if
Providence spares our lives to reach them. But I start this
day, within a few hours ; the time is short ; thou canst not be
ready."

"I am ready. I came prepared, anticipating all things save
thine objections."

" Enter, then, my poor house, my dear young friend, and re
fresh thyself," said Sir Christopher, leading the way.

The persistency of Arundel having thus wrung a consent from
the Knight, the subject was not again referred to by either of
them ; but both considering the matter settled, addressed them
selves to the preparations remaining to be made. A small quan
tity of dried deer's flesh, and corn parched and pounded, was
packed up, sufficient, as was supposed, to supply the wants of the
travellers, should they be at any time unfortunate in procuring
game, upon which their chief reliance rested. The guns were
carefully cleaned, the locks seen to be in order, and store of bul
lets and powder was provided. These preparations being com
pleted, refreshed with the noonday meal, Sir Christopher called

248 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN ME LICE.

on Arundel to follow him. An Indian was to go with them as
far as it was judged safe for him to proceed into an enemy's
country. The journey it was calculated would require a week
to accomplish to the principal village of the Taranteens ; so that,
allowing an equal length of time for coming back, and the ne
cessary delay among the Indians, a period of at least three weeks
might be expected to elapse before their return. The two white
men, then, habited in closely-fitting hunting garments, made of
dressed deer-skin, as pliable when dry as silk, their guns slung
over their shoulders, followed the Indian, dressed in native cos
tume, with bow and quiver, and carrying the provisions, and
commenced their journey.

The first two days were unmarked by any incident. Their
course lay over the hills and through the valleys of the pleasant
State of Massachusetts, now blooming under the hand of culture,
ornamented with cities and villages, and supplying the world with
the products of her joyful and free industry ; then, an intermi
nable forest, roved by fierce animals, and by red men scarcely less
savage, divided into tribes sparsely scattered, living in mutual
distrust, incapable of labor, supporting themselves by the uncer
tain issues of the chase, already daunted by the whites, and per
haps dimly descrying the fate that awaited them.

Crevecoeur, in the description of his journey in Upper Penn
sylvania, tells us how accurately the native sagacity of the
wiser Indians could discriminate between their own characteris
tics and those of the white strangers, and foresee the conse
quences that must follow.

" Seest thou," said one of them, " that the whites subsist on
grain, while we depend on flesh ; that the flesh requires more
than thirty moons to mature, and is often scarce ; that each of
those wonderful grains which they deposit in the ground gives
back more than a hundredfold in return ; that the meat whereon
we subsist has four legs to run away, while we have only two to

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 249

catch it ; and that the seeds planted by the strangers remain and in
crease, and never run away ? That is the reason why they have
so many children, and live longer than we do. I say unto each one
of you who will listen, that, before the cedars of our village shall
die of age, and the maple-trees of the valley cease to yield sugar,
that the race of the sowers of little seeds will have exterminated
the race of the flesh-eaters, provided our hunters do not also re
solve to sow."

Through the vast solitude, impressive by its silence and its
loneliness, guiding their course by day by the position of the
sun and the mosses on the trunks of the trees, and at night by
the stars, the three men pursued their way* On the afternoon of
the third day, the Knight, after a conversation with their guide,
came to the conclusion that it was better the Aberginian should
return, as they had now approached too nearly to the haunts of
the Taranteens to suppose that they should long remain undis
covered. Accordingly, the Indian took his departure, leaving
to the white men all the dangers of a further advance, and to
find their way as best they might.

11

CHAPTER XIX-

" Mery it was in the grene forest,

Amonge the leves grene ;
Whereas men hunt east and west.
Wyth bowes and arrowes kene."

BALLAD OF ADAM BELL, " Clym of the Clough, and William of Cloudesl-t^-

As the Knight, with confident steps, led the way, Arundel exr
pressed surprise at the skill which he displayed.

" You forget that I may be said to be half an Indian myselt,
said Sir Christopher, " and am therefore entitled to a knowledge
of the woods. I know not how many times I have accompanied
the natives in their distant hunting expeditions, and it would be
strange if the experience were thrown away."

" But surely you could never have penetrated so far in the di
rection of this fierce tribe ?"

" Farther, my young friend. I have wandered more than a
week's journey to every quarter of the compass from my lodge ;
and it is the knowledge of the country thus derived, and inti
macy with Indian character, that inspire me with resolution in
our enterprise. It might be considered a perilous accomplish
ment," he added, with a smile, " since it recommended me to the
consideration of the Council, to whom, moreover, the life of one
not of the congregation is of less value."

The Knight had never before shown a disposition to be so com
municative. Perhaps the isolation of the two from the world,

252 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE*

and the devotion which Arundel had manifested, heightened his
feeling of regard, and drew out his confidence. The young man's
interest in the conversation increased, and he said :

" Surely, you would not impute to the Governor, or to a
majority of his counsellors, a design to expose you to probable
destruction. Unutterable baseness were therein."

" I said not so. I pray thee, Master Arundel, to attach no
such construction to my words ; you would thereby do foul
wrong to my thoughts. Nay, I thank the Governor for honoring
me with the commission, and doubt not that he acted only in
obedience to a higher prompting than his own. I did but point
to a feeling which thine enlightenment must lament as much as
mine, and which contracts Christian love into very narrow and
erroneous boundaries. Dost thou understand me?"

" I think I do. You refer to the jealous retainer of power in
the hands of their Church."

" Of their Church, so called. Here are we, for example : we
may desire, with that natural longing whereby men are some
times animated, to enter into closer relations, and to bind our
selves by more intimate ties with those around us, (oftentimes, I
fear me, for purposes of worldly advancement, as well as encour
agement in holy living) ; and, lo ! a very slight difference of
opinion — a sublety whereon a casuist shall batter his brains for
days in vain — shall build up a wall of exclusion, especially if
there be some within the enchanted circle who are jealous of our
influence and distrust their own."

" I doubt not you are right. My own observation partly con
firms these views, though I have been too short a time in the
colony to form an undistrusted opinion. My youth and inexpe
rience admonish me to express myself doubtfully ; but I think
myself safe in agreeing with you, that this is scarcely the best way
to establish that universal Church to which the ambition of the
Puritans aspires."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN • MELIOB. 253

" Have a care, Master Arundel," said the Knight, laughing,
and his laugh rang out joyously through the forest, as if he were
glad to' escape from restraint, and in strong contrast with the
caution which he recommended, " lest thy treason be carried by
some bird to the enthusiatic Endicott, or the stern Dudley, and
thou be made to atone for thy lese majeste."

" I bear them no ill will, and they know it. I am but a stranger
among them, seeking at their hands a jewel most unjustly de
tained, and which, if given up, will hardly endanger the common
weal. But, Sir Christopher, explain your sentiments more per
fectly on the point whither our conversation converged."

" Master Arundel, I am a soldier, and no casuist, and, there
fore, hardly so well prepared to answer as good Mr. Eliot, or
grave Mr. Wilson ; yet do thoughts on such subjects sometimes
puzzle the brains of a soldier in a steel helmet, as well as those
of a teacher in a Geneva cap ; and, sworn brothers as we are,
proving our affection by a voluntary community of danger, I will
not hesitate to avow my secret reflections, knowing that they are
safe in thy keeping. All Christians must acknowledge Holy
Scripture, when properly understood, as the imperative rule of
faith, without a belief of which there can be no salvation. Now, in
Scripture I do find the Church likened unto a net let down into
the sea, and when drawn up containing within itself a diversity of
fishes. This similitude teaches me that the Blessed Founder of
our religion did contemplate variety, and not that strict and tame
uniformity which would compel every curve into a straight line,
and make the Church more like a platoon of point device Spanish
soldiers than reasoning men variously organized."

" I have heard the text differently explained, to wit : that the
Church is thereby intended to be represented as a receptacle of all
men, without distinction of Jew or Gentile — of color, or of what
ever separates man from man."

" They who interpret it thus, do limit the Word of God, and

254 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

make vain the text itself. For, was it not designed that all
should be brought within one fold, that there might be one shep
herd ? Now, how may this be done, if respect be not had to the
prepossessions and prejudices of mankind ? See the infinite differ
ences that prevail all through the world. These it is the sacred
prerogative of the Church to guide and control — not violently
tearing them up by the roots, but making them subservient to her
advancement."

" That, it seems to me, were little better than encouraging
heathenism under the forms of Christianity."

" Nay, it is more like the manreuvre of a skilful helmsman,
who, when a flaw that may not be resisted strikes the sails of
his ship, doth not luff, and thereby increase the power of his
enemy, and risk destruction, but, by a gentle turn of the rudder,
glides by the danger, making its very violence facilitate his ad
vance ; or it may be compared to the progress of a wise tra
veller, who, when he encounters a steep hill, doth not always
press straight forward, but, influenced by its shape, sometimes
turns aside and encircles its base, thereby diminishing the labor
and not increasing the distance."

" It doth look to me," said Arundel, " more like the crooked
track of the serpent, which cannot advance to its object without
twisting its body into contortions."

" And can anything be more graceful than its lovely curves ?
Doth not Scripture in some manner commend the sagacious rep
tile, holding him up to us as an example, and bidding us be wise
even as serpents'? The children of Israel, moreover, when in
the wilderness, were cured of their wounds by merely looking at
the brazen serpent, thereby typifying the value of wisdom, whereof
the snake is an emblem."

" You are more skilled in dialectic than I," said Arundelj
laughing, " and were I to hear you with shut eyes, I should think
a monk's cowl would fit your head better than a morion."

THE KNIGHT OP THE GOLDEtf MELICE. ?55

Sir Christopher stole a sharp, quick glance at his companion
at these words, but he could notice nothing in the youth's hand
some features save the light-heartedness of a happy spirit. He
seemed to think it necessary, however, to explain more perfectly
the meaning of what he had been saying.

" Harbor not the thought," he continued, " that I, in any wise,
approve the damnable doctrines which, by many zealous Protes
tants, are ascribed to the Catholic Church, viz : that religion
consists in the mumbling of unmeaning forms and performance
of unnecessary ceremonies ; in the gaudy decoration of temples
with pictures and statues, which some consider an incitement to
devotion ; in an entire abandonment of the soul of the layman to
the care of the priest, as if the laic himself had no part in work
ing out his salvation. As a good Protestant, I am bound to con
demn and anathematize these errors ; but, more distinctly, I hold
that our Puritan brethren (to come back to the point of depart
ure) are over-strict and unwise in applying a Procrustean measure
in their discipline, and, for that reason, if for no other, they
cannot be a Church universal. Too stiff, unbending and unfor
giving are they to the weaknesses of human nature, and, there
fore, (without more,) I predict utter failure to every attempt of
theirs to make the natives like themselves. They do forget that
milk, not flesh meat, is the food for babes."

" Hold you these Puritans to be, in any true sense, a Church
at all?" inquired Arundel.

Again the Knight looked sharply at the other, and this time
he burst into a laugh, wherein, it seemed to the young man, a
sneer was mingled with the gaiety.

" That were a dangerous question," he answered, " anywhere
else than three days' journey from Winthrop, and to ears less for
giving than mine. But here we are, debating, as thou didst intimate
a moment ago, more like two pattering monks than journeying
like merry cavaliers. For my part, the dissensions of Christ-

256 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

endom weary me, and I prefer to leave to the holy men vowed
to the service of the altar, the labor of unloosing the knots of
controversy, rather than perplex my brains with them. Come,
Master Arundel, hast never a song wherewith to waken the echoes
of the virgin forest and shorten the toils of our way ?"

" I esteem not myself a singer, though I can troll a stave or
two," replied the young man. " But I fear that my minstrelsy
would be rude and uncouth to the cultivated ears of one who, like
you, Sir Christopher, hath listened to the lays of many lands,
and so, refined and perfected his taste."

" It is true," said the Knight, " that I have heard the songs of
many countries, warbled by beauty to the accompanying sounds
of divers instruments, from Spain to Persia, from the Andalusian
guitar to the Turkish lute. But fear me not. I am no super
cilious critic. Thy modesty hides merit. I will be bound now
that thy performance will exceed thy promise."

" But is there no danger of attracting wandering savages, and
so being taken prisoners, or shot with their arrows ?"

"The danger of being treated as enemies is less, for what In
dian would suspect such of going singing through the woods ?"

" Then here is my song," said Arundel, " but I shall look for
a like complaisance on thy part."

" Who loves the greenwood cool and sweet,

O ! let him come with me !
No harsher sound his ears shall greet,

Than songs of birds so free ;
No sight less fair his eyes shall view,

Than trees, and ferns, and flowers-
Sun, stars, the branches shimmering through,

To light the flying hours.

Ambition hither cannot come,

Here Pomp is out of place,
And fawning Flattery finds no home

With Simper and Grimace,

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 257

But Nature, in her artless dress, '

(A greenwood nymph is she,)
With eyes so wild and-flowing tress,

And bare ungartered knee.

Then come, O, come ! O, come with me !

Forgot be toil and care ;
0 ! come beneath the greenwood tree,

For happiness is there.
The sun shall shine with tempered ray,

The moon-beam soft, yet bright ;
O, come ! Joy beckons us away,

To revel in delight!"

" Good !" exclaimed the Knight. " Thy voice is as sweet as
a sky-lark's, and runs with marvellous cunning through the har
monious changes of the tune. Why, never preface thy song again
with an apology, or I shall begin to doubt thy sincerity."

" Wild woods and savage life have not tarnished the courtly
polish of Sir Christopher Gardiner," said Arundel. "And now
for my guerdon, though in truth I feel shame for the little I have
been able to do, in comparison with what I expect."

(l By my troth, thou art a master in the science of delicate
compliments. There was, I confess, a time when, with youthful
vanity, I did esteem myself possessed of some skill, and could
step along the gamut with any Don or Signor of them all; but
that is long since, and I fear me that the gutturals of Northern
Germany have quite driven out of my throat the liquids and
vowels of Italy. However, to pleasure me, thou hast sung with
infinite discretion and wonderful sweetness, a most delectable
song ; and now it were boorish not to attempt at least to repay
thy musical favor."

So saying, the Knight sung in a manner and with an expres
sion that proved him to be an accomplished musician, and in

11*

258 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

some contrast with the less artful style of Arundel, the following

song:

•' On golden Guadalquiver's banks

Are tinkling gay guitars,
To hail with song and smiling thanks,
The soldier from the wars.

When glowing youth and beauty met,

Blush at each other's glance,
And, bounding to the Castanet,

Entwine th'impassioned dance.

And purple Xeres sends her wine,

To laugh in those dark eyes,
Whose flashing orbs the stars outshine,

Of Andalusia's skies.

Red lips repeat the hero's name,

White hands are scattering flowers ;

Honor be his and deathless fame,
And gratitude be ours !

Delightful land of orange blooms,

Of chivalry and song,
Whose memory the past perfumes —

0 ! how for thee I long !

Where'er may stray my wandering feet,

1 never will forget,

Or Guadalquiver's maidens sweet,
Or merry castanet.

When sun, and moon, and stars turn pale,

On Nature's funeral pyre,
O'er all Spain's glory shall prevail,

An eagle soaring higher."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELIUE. 259

"You have well profited by your opportunities, Sir Christopher,"
said Arundel, at its conclusion. " By mine honor, such sweet
and artful notes never waked the echoes of a mighty forest. I
seemed to mingle in the graceful fandango, and to taste the ex
hilarating Xeres in your song,"

" Ah !" replied the Knight, with a half sigh. " It is only a
reminiscence of youthful follies. But now it is thy turn again.
I warrant me there is store of ravishing melodies in the treasury
whence thou didst take thine."

"I dare not," said the young man modestly, "sing after thee.
My poor notes would sound like those of the croaking raven, in
comparison with the warblings of the yellow minstrel of the Ca
naries."

" Out with thee, hyperbolical flatterer! Believe me — I set a
higher value on thy nature than on my art. Come, pipe up once
more, and I will, meanwhile, try to recall another ditty."

" If such is to be my reward, I will not refuse, although I do
thereby only expose my own incapacity. Here is a serenade :

" I stand beneath thy window, love,

To tell my pleasing pain :
O, flowers below, and stars above,

Bear to her heart my strain !
Say that the charms of earth and sky
Are waiting for her company,
And all sweet things my fair invite,
To rise and perfect make the night.

Yet, no ! I would no earthly sound

Might mar that tranquil sleep,
O'er which the angels, standing round,

Admiring vigil keep.

With these bright guards I choose to share
The watching of my jewel rare ;
For though their love may be divine,
I know it cannot equal mine.

260 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

I see her as she chastely lies

Upon the linen white ;
Was ne'er to man's or angel's eyes

So beautiful a sight !
O, mark her bosom's fall and swell,
(Profane it were of more to tell,)
While hover round her rose-leaf mouth,
Sweets that excel the Arabian South.

Listen ! she murmurs in her dreams,

And music puts to shame :
O, can it be 1 she breathes, meseems,

My too — too happy name !
O cease, bliss-crowded heart, to beat
So fast, lest like some India fleet
Surcharged with spices, thou outright
Founder, o'erfreighted with delight !"

" Excellent," exclaimed the Knight. Never talk to me of the
wonderful little birds of the Canaries, unless to call thyself one.
I fancy thy verses a tribute to the celestial attractions of Mistress
Eveline Dunning."

" And now let me hear thee," said Arundel.

" I did match my first lay," said Sir Christopher, " to thy
youthful blood. Now will I give thee one more befitting my
years and gravity," and adapting the words to a wild foreign
air, the Knight sent his rich full voice ringing through the wood.

" Who, on Glory's pinion,

Shall mount the upper air,
And write his name with sunbeams
Sublimely there 1

Blare of trumpets shivering
Above the reeling fight,
Proves the inhuman challenge —

The warrior's right?

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 261

Son of thoughtful Science,

Unthinking of renown,
Is thine the name to thunder

The ages down 1"

" Hist !" he said, interrupting the song. " What is it I see glid
ing in yonder thicket ? Stand fast, Master Arundel, while I go
forward to reconnoitre."

The young man would have accompanied him, but this Sir
Christopher imperatively forbade. " Thou art under my lead and
protection," he said, " and foul shame were it, should I expose
thee to a danger which I should face myself alone ;" and in spite
of his urgency, Arundel was obliged to remain behind.

The Knight was gone, perhaps, a quarter of an hour, and Arun
del began to be anxious at the length of his absence, and had
stepped forward a few rods to seek him, when he made his ap
pearance.

" If it were a wild beast, or anything that could harm us," he
cried, as he approached, " it has glided off into the bushes."

" Then shall I entreat the continuance of thy song. I would
like to hear resolved the question which it pleases the poet to
ask."

" I care not to sing more now," returned the Knight. " My
voice, I perceive, begins to roughen, and brawls along more like
a shallow brook, over pebbles, than the flow of a deep, equable
stream. It were to shame the brave words."

This determination Arundel was unable to alter, and he could
not avoid ascribing it quite as much to a change of opinion in his
companion, respecting the prudence of singing in that wild region,
as to any assumed roughness of voice. Thinking thus, he un-
slung his gun, and examined carefully the priming, holding him
self in readiness for any emergency. He noticed, however, to
his surprise, that no such precautions were adopted by Sir Chris
topher, who, though in silence, walked with as fearless a step aa
ever, and allowed his piece to remain upon his back.

262 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

The shades of evening were now beginning to wrap objects in
obscurity, and it became necessary to look out for a place of rest.
In finding one fitted for the purpose, the Knight betrayed no em
barrassment.

" There should be," he said, " a small cave in the neighbor
hood, wherein we may be sheltered. I will lead thee thither in
a short time."

Accordingly, they descended the side of a pretty steep declivity,
and, at the bottom, forming a sort of miniature valley, found the
object of their search. It was certainly a very small cave, if, in
deed, the recess, which was not twelve feet deep, made by the
jutting out of some huge rocks from the side of the hill, deserved
the name. A brook came dashing round before the cave, sepa
rating it as it were from its surroundings, and deepening its pri
vacy ; and over the entrance hung immense hemlock branches,
sweeping with their evergreen plumes the rocky roof, and almost
hiding the aperture. It seemed impossible to have selected a
place better adapted for concealment.

" We need not fear," said the Knight, " to make a fire in this
secluded spot. It will serve to keep off wild animals, and as for
Indians, they can hardly be expected to stumble on us."

Arundel, as being only a follower, and inferior in experience
of wood-craft to his elder friend, made no objection, but ad
dressed himself to prepare for passing the night. The two, with
their hunting hatchets, cut from the moist land, watered by the
brook, a quantity of hemlock boughs, wherewith to compose their
beds, making couches more comfortable, and even luxurious to a
tired wanderer, than one would suppose who had never tried
them. Next, they kindled a fire, whereupon supper was prepared —
some small game, consisting of partridges and rabbits which they
had shot in the course of the day. These, together with the
parched corn they brought from home, not without a draught or
two of aqua vitae tempered by the pure stream, satisfied the cravr
ings of appetite.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 263

" And now, Master Arundel," said the Knight, after the re
past was finished, during which he had looked with admiring
eyes on the achievements of his companion, " tell me, didst ever,
at princely banquet in courtly hall, enjoy with keener zest the
artificial dishes of cunning cooks, designed to tickle the delicate
and difficultly pleased palate ?"

" Never," answered Arundel. " Knew the epicures of Europe
the efficacy of a forest tramp, we should meet them oftener than
Indians in the woods."

" Thus deals boon nature with her children," said Sir Christo
pher. " Out of the richness of her abundance doth she prodi
gally supply what man, with all his devices, cannot obtain. The
scent of the woodland, the winged minstrelsy, the murmur of the
brook, and tripping of the deer, say I, before the inventions and
appliances of dissatisfied man, whereby he vainly tries to procure
to himself pleasures which he might have for the asking. But
how fares it otherwise with thee ? Art not tired ? With me,
who am an old campaigner, our tramp should be a trifle, and yet
I confess my limbs are not as supple as in the morning. Thou
wert excusable shouldest thou feel it more."

" I feel no fatigue now," said Arundel, " though an hour ago
I might have confessed it. But what is that "?" he exclaimed,
grasping his gun. " Methought I saw two eyes peering from the
thicket. Shall I fire ?" he added, bringing the piece to his
shoulder.

" For thy life, no !" interposed the Knight quickly, striking up
the muzzle o* the gun. " That were to inform any wandering
savages of our retreat."

" I will then explore the bush to find out what it is, whom cu
riosity has attracted — whether beast or Indian."

" It were well not to do so," said the Knight. " It would
only be unnecessary exposure ; and an enem}v if it be one, would
have every possible advantage in waiting for thee — he knowing
thy position, and thou not his."

264 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLUEN MELICE.

" Nevertheless, it were a great satisfaction could I discern the
creature. Perhaps I may bring back a buck for breakfast. Thou
art acquainted with the stupid habit of deer to gaze on fire. It
may be one of them."

" For all that, I counsel thee to remain. A prudent soldier ex
poses not himself to danger without cause.'*

" By Heaven !" exclaimed Arundel, " I see the eyes of the ani
mal again, in the light of the fire. I will shoot, come what will
of it ;" and before the Knight could interfere, he had discharged
his piece in the direction of the object. The dark woods echoed
to the report, and some birds disturbed from their perches began
to flutter blindly round, but no other sounds were heard, and
presently silence, as profound as before, brooded over the forest.
" Thou hast been guilty of a sad imprudence, Master Arun
del," said the Knight, " and I hope no evil consequences may re
sult therefrom. What art thou about now ?"

But the young man, who, from the instant he had discharged
his piece, had been busy reloading it, and whose preparations
were now completed, paid no attention to the question; butt
excited by what he had seen, rushed out of the cave into the
open air.

" Santa Madre de Dios /" exclaimed the Knight. " I hope nothing
evil will befall him. Were it better now to follow or to
remain T'

While Sir Christopher was deliberating, Arundel, holding his
piece in readiness, cautiously took his way toward the thicket,
whence he fancied the eyes had looked. As he was groping along^
not yet recovered from the blinding effect of the fire-glare, he
suddenly felt his gun seized, and several strong arms thrown
round his person. He cried out for assistance, and struggled, but
in vain. The gun was torn away, a hand placed over his mouth,
and a tomahawk brandished at him, as if to intimate his doom,
should he continue his outcries. In this state of things nothing

TfiE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 265

was left but to yield hinfself to his captors, and, resigning him
self to his fate, he waited for what should follow ; nor was he
kept long in suspense, for presently an Indian came gliding up to
the group in whose midst he stood, and spoke a few words,
whereupon he was led to the cave, and directed by signs to enter
it. Here he found Sir Christopher lying quietly on the ground,
without apparently having received any injury, and his piece in
the possession of some Indians by whom he was surrounded.
Arundel was permitted to sit down by his side, admiring, as he
did so, the wonderful composure of the Knight.

-

CHAPTER XX.

" There have been holy men who hid themselves
Deep in the woody wilderness."

BRYANT.

ARTJNDEL had now an opportunity to look round and observe
the state of things Besides the Knight and himself, there were
seven or eight Indians in the little cavern, armed with bows and ar
rows ; and he remarked with pleasure that these persons were not
stained with war-paint, indicating that they were on no hostile
expedition, but engaged in hunting. So far from offering violence,
or even rudeness, the savages treated them with marked deference,
keeping at a respectful distance, and yielding to them the piles of
hemlock branches which they had arranged for coaches. Arun-
del listened to the conversation between the Knight and the In
dians with that strained attention with which one unacquainted
with a language will sometimes hang upon its sounds, as if by a
concentration of the faculties to wring a sense out of it ; and if
he was unable to make out the meaning of the words, he at least
satisfied himself, both from "the intonation of the voices and ex
pression of the faces, that no immediate injury was designed. To
the appealing looks which Arundel from time to time directed to
him, the Knight at length replied :

" I know not, Master Arundel, whether we should consider
ourselves more fortunate or the contrary, in falling into the hands
of these copper-colqred cavaliers. We are their prisoners, and,

268 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

as such, bound to obey their motions ; but their presence will
guard us from attack, and in that way be a shield ; and their
treatment in other respects will shame, I doubt not, the conduct
of more civilized men in like circumstances."

" Know you," inquired Arundel, " the name of their tribe, and
their intentions towards us f

" They are Taranteens, and, as far as I can learn, mean to take
us to one of their villages. It was fortunate your shot took not
effect ; for, otherwise, 1 know not what would have been the
consequence."

" I confess now its rashness ; but it is manifest that we were
tracked, and, in any event, would have been prisoners."

" Perhaps not prisoners. Perhaps, after making our acquain
tance, they would have offered us their company as an escort.
As it is, we must submit to close watchfulness on our journey,
and, afterwards, take what fate may come. I counsel thee (and
speak as one knowing the habits of these people) to betray no
distrust or apprehension. We must show that we rely with per
fect assurance on our character as ambassadors, not only for im
munity from danger, but for courteous treatment. And now," he
added, disposing himself to rest, " we had better court that sleep
which will be so necessary to prepare us for the fatigues of to
morrow."

Arundel followed his example, and, as if it had been a signal for
the Indians, they all left the cave, with the exception of two, who
stretched themselves out by the fire at the mouth.

It was long after it had fallen upon the lids of Sir Christopher,
that sleep visited the eyes of Arundel ; but tired nature at last
yielded to the solicitations of the drowsy influence, and he forgot
both his joys and his sorrows.

When he awoke, the daylight was streaming into his retreat,
and, sitting up on the hemlock boughs, he looked around. The
couch of Sir Christopher was deserted, and no Indian visible.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 269

Wondering what had become of them, he rose and walked to the
entrance, and beheld standing on the margin of the brook, the
Knight in conversation with the savage, who, the night before,
appeared to be the leader of the party. They were so interested
with their subject as not to notice his presence, and he had an
opportunity to observe their bearing to one another. To judge
from that, the Knight looked to Arundel more like a conqueror
than a captive, and rather giving than receiving orders. The at
titude of Sir Christopher was commanding, and he engrossed the
principal part of the conversation. From the frequency with
which it was repeated, Arundel, as he fancied, could make out
one word, which sounded like " Mesandowit," but its meaning he
was unable to divine. He stood looking at them until the Indian
discovered him, who, ejaculating the word " ahque," (beware,)
the Knight turned and also saw him.

" Thy appearance dispenses with the necessity of asking how
thou hast passed the night, Master Arundel," cried Sir Christo
pher. " Well, there is nothing like a trust in Providence, where
to I commend thee, to inspire with courage. Courage may, in a
certain sense, be said to be piety."

" Truly, Sir Christopher," said Arundel, catching confidence
from the cheerful tone of the Knight, " I begin to regard thee as a
sort of Providence, for wherever you move, you seem to exercise
a command. Now would I give something to know the secret
whereby you have tamed yon savage,"

" It is no astonishing mystery. I did but elucidate to him
clearly our sacred character and thy mistake in firing."

" Is he content with the explanation 1"

" He seems to be. The natives are not so unreasonable as is
sometimes represented. Difficulties between men do often arise
from an ignorance of each others intentions; and one grand
cause of contention is, doubtless, an inability to comprehend
their diverse languages. Now, 1 suffer under no such disability.

270 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

I can impart my ideas, and receive their own in return, and thus
is language a bridge of reconciliation betwixt us. Believe me — a
common cord vibrates through the hearts and minds of all men,
and skilful words are the fingers wherewith to touch it."

"Thou art a skilful musician in more than one sense," said
Arundel, as he turned to the brook to wash his hands and face.

No very strict, certainly not obtrusive surveillance, was exer
cised by the Taranteens over their captives. They were allowed
to move about where they pleased, and their escort began to as
sume the appearance of a guard of honor, rather than a band of
suspicious enemies ; nor did the savages seem at all disposed to
hurry, or take any measures to prevent a surprise, feeling, pro
bably, a consciousness of security in being on their own hunting
grounds. Their breakfast, of which the two white men partook
with them, was leisurely prepared, and eaten with equal delibera
tion, and the sun was high when they resumed their journey.
All these circumstances were noticed by Arundel, and tended to
increase his confidence. However, he made no remark respecting
them.

But when, soon after the commencement of their march, their
guns were returned, he could not forbear from uttering his sur
prise.

" They know not how to use the weapon," replied Sir Christo
pher, " and it suits them not to carry loads not their own. Be
sides, I have pledged our honors that the pieces shall not be used
against them. Methinks, moreover, were we inclined to play
false, it were fruitless, in view of their superior number."

Nothing of importance occurred during the couple of days
longer their journey lasted, and before it was completed, both the
prisoners lost all apprehension of violence. They were even per
mitted to shoot the game which was started, and the Indians
manifested no little pleasure when the shots proved successful.
They watched closely the loading of the pieces and priming, and

THE KKIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 271

the manner in which the lock trigger was raised, and sometimes
took the guns into their own hands, and brought them up to the
shoulder, as they had seen the white men do, as if desirous to be
taught their use. Something also, in reference to the subject,
they said to the Knight, but he shook his head, and showed no
disposition to instruct them. An unlucky experiment made with
the piece of Sir Christopher, by one of the Taranteens, at length
put an end to their importunities.

The Indian took the gun, after he had seen it loaded by Sir
Christopher, and imitating his actions, discharged it at a bird sit
ting on a bough, at no great distance.

He had failed to remark that the Knight placed the piece
firmly against his shoulder when it was fired, and ignorant of the
propriety of doing so, held it with a natural feeling of timidity at
a little distance from his body. The consequence was, that the
recoil prostrated the savage on his back, and the gun dropped
from his hands, while the fortunate bird seemed to deride the
unskilful marksman, and to challenge him to another trial, by
paying no other heed than hopping on another bough. His com
panions gathered round the fallen savage, and two or three took
hold of the white men, as if to prevent escape ; but when they saw
no wound upon his person, nor expression of pain in his face, (for
the pride of the unfortunate warrior forbade the betrayal of what
he felt,) their words of sympathy and intentions of revenge were
converted into jeers and laughter. As for the unlucky fellow
himself, on rising from the ground, he retreated a 'little way from
the gun, and regarding it with a look, wherein awe and aversion
were combined, took care not to approach nigh to it again.

On the evening of the seventh day after their departure, they ap
proached the village of the Taranteens. The whole company
halted at a little distance from it, and the returning Indians
shouted a peculiar cry, after which they proceeded more leisurely
on their way. The yell had been heard and understood, for soon

272 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

Were seen advancing, groups of men, women, and children.
These, upon joining their friends, manifested none of that stolid
indifference, which it has been the pleasure of certain writers to
ascribe to the natives, forgetting that by nature the same feelings
animate the hearts of all men, whatever may be the degree of
their civilization, or the color of their skin. On the contrary,
there were smiling faces and tones of welcome, and other demon
strations, that proved the existence of affection. The squaws
and children looked askance at the strangers, but their glances
were rather timid than obtrusive, and augured no unfavorable
prepossessions. Accompanied by a constantly increasing num
ber, our friends were conducted to a lodge in the centre of the
village, which they were told they would occupy during their
stay. It was carefully covered with bark, and, as usual, skins
were hanging on the sides, and lying on the ground for couches^
and there were some cooking utensils, made of clay, on one sidei
Such were all the articles constituting the simple menage of the
child of nature, and completed his idea of necessary furniture;
Here the strangers were left by their guides, though several of the
tribe remained lingering around the wigwam.

" Thus far," said the Knight, stretching himself out on a skin^
for in whatever circumstances he might be placed, he was always
at his ease, " hath heaven breathed favoring airs into our sails.
We will accept the omen and be hopeful for the future."

" No more skilful ambassador, it seems to me," said Arundel,
" ever mediated betwixt mighty governments than thyself, Sir
Christopher. Why, Ephraim Pike was right, and I did injus
tice to his hang-dog look when I distrusted him."

"What said he?" ino1uired the Knight.

" That our journey would be a mere pleasure flight, unattended
with danger."

" He would have found it different had he undertaken it,"
muttered Sir Christopher. " And was it Ephraim who advised
thee to associate thyself with me ?" ,

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICB. 278

" He did not presume to advise. I scarcely know how it hap
pened, but as I accidentally met the man, the conversation turned
upon thy enterprise, of the dangers whereof he made light."

" There is some mystery," said the Knight, " connected with
this. Be sure the obscure varlet would not have sought thee out
for such a purpose of his own motion, but was instigated thereto
by another."

" Who could that be, and with what motive f

" Nay, I judge no man ; but, perhaps, it so happened that they
who intended harm conferred a favor."

At this moment they saw approaching through the opening in
the lodge a couple of squaws, bearing in their hands earthen
pots, from which a warm steam was issuing. These they brought
straight into the wigwam, and, placing them before the white
men, invited them to eat. After a few words from the Knight,
which the smiling faces of the women showed were well received,
they retired, and the two friends addressed themselves to a busi
ness seldom disagreeable, and specially pleasant to them. In the
one vessel they found pieces of broiled venison, and in the other
a composition at that time peculiar to the Indians, but which
has since become a favorite in New England, and still retains its
Indian name of " succotash." It is a dish consisting of sweet
corn and beans boiled together, and savored with some kind of
meat, according to the taste. The meat preferred by the vitiated
taste of the whites is pork; but inasmuch as swine were unknown
at the time in the country, except in the civilized settlements — the
unclean animal having been introduced by the Europeans- — its
place in the present instance was supplied by the more wholesome
bear's meat, for such the experienced palate of the Knight pro
nounced it to be. At the completion of the 'meal, although it
was early according to our habits, the unbroken silence that
reigned around indicated that the Indians had retired to rest, and

12

274 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the two weary travelers, imitating their example, threw them
selves on their couches.

Some hours had passed since they laid themselves down to
sleep, when the Knight arose, and, after glancing at his com
panion, started, with a light and noiseless step, to leave the wig
wam. At the opening he found a Taranteen, whom his stirring
had wakened. With him the Knight exchanged some whispered
words, and then took his way in the moonlight toward a lodge
situated near the centre of the village, and conspicuous for its
size. He met no interruption, and having arrived at the entrance,
drew aside the skin which served for a door. The first object
which caught his eye was a flame proceeding from some pieces
of a resinous wood, which were supported by a sort of iron
trestle standing on a rude table in the centre, and sending up spi
rals of smoke to escape by an aperture above. By means of the
light which this cast, he was enabled to take a view of the apart
ment.

It was of an oblong shape, some forty feet long by twenty
wide, and coming to a line at the top, and at first seemed destitute
of furniture and of occupants. As the Knight stood hesitating, a
voice from the remotest part of the wigwam addressed him.

" "Welcome !" it said, in French, " true son of the Church !
valiant soldier of the Cross ! servant of Heaven ! My soul hath
been in travail to see thee ; and now, lam Deo, its desire is grati
fied."

The Knight advanced in the direction whence the voice pro
ceeded, and when he had passed on so far that his back was to
the light, could see the speaker. He was one who, whatever
were the mistakes of his creed, seems to have been animated by
a purpose lofty to himself, and an ardent faith in its truth, and,
therefore, honor be to his memory, as well as to all other brave
spirits, who, like him, (though erring,) forget themselves for
others. But he is worthy of description.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 275

He was a man of about sixty years of age, somewhat under the
middle size, but strongly made, and evidently capable of enduring
great fatigue. His eyes were black and piercing, his complexion
so dark as to be almost olive, and his features regular, the mouth
being small and sharply chiseled and compressed. Thick, long,
white hair covered his whole head, with the exception of a small
round spot on the crown which was bare, revealing the mark of
the priest, and fell upon his shoulders. He was habited in a
long, closely-fitting robe of some coarse material, which had once
been black, but was now faded and tarnished by time and expo
sure, and a hempen rope to keep it in place was girded about his
loins. Such, as we have described him, was the famous Father
Le Vieux, one of the most active and devoted among the French
Jesuits in America.

Father Le Vieux had risen from his seat, and was advancing
toward his visiter, when the latter first beheld him. As the two men
drew nigh, the Knight sunk on his knees at the feet of the priest.

" Salve fili mi /" said the father, laying his hands on the head
of the kneeling Sir Christopher. " Beatus gui venit in nomine
Domini. Arise, my son !" he continued, in French, taking the
Knight by the hand, and assisting him. " Thy companion, I
trust, sleeps soundly."

" He is asleep, reverend father," answered the Knight, in the
same language, " like one who has made a covenant with his
eyes not to open them before morning."

" May the blessed angels press their palms thereupon, that he
awaken not. Now, then, disclose to me what, for our mutual
purpose, it is meet that I should know."

With these words, he led the way into that part of the lodge
whence he came, and was followed by Sir Christopher, who sat
down by his side on a sort of bench.

"First, reverend father," said Sir Christopher, " would I con
fess my sins and obtain absolution. It is long since my bosom's

276 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

stains were wiped out by authority of Holy Church, and my soul
languishes for forgiveness,"

" Kneel, then, and on peril of thy salvation keep nothing back."

Sir Christopher, with bowed head, knelt by his side, and, in
low-murmured tones, while the priest bowed down to him his
ear, made his confession. It lasted some considerable time, for
which reason the good father betrayed a little impatience, either
because he thought that the sins were too trivial to be dwelt
upon so long, or because he was anxious to hear the communica
tion of his penitent on other matters. At its conclusion, he
placed his hand on the Knight's head, and said :

" The sins which, with a penitent heart and lively faith, thou
hast confessed, not having wilfully concealed anything, and de
termined by God's grace to commit them no more, do I, a servant
of Holy Church, commissioned for that purpose by the successor
of blessed St. Peter, whose are the sacred keys, and unto whom
and his fellow-servants it was promised by the Head of the
Church, ' whatsoever ye bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven,
and whatsoever ye loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven,' ab
solve thee from, and unbind and remit unto thee, both in time
and in eternity, in nomine Patris, Filii^ et Spiritus Sanctus. Amen.
Rise and sin no more. And now, make thy report."

The Knight rose from his knees and resumed his seat, where
upon ensued a long conversation.

It referred to the condition of the colony under Winthrop, and
of the elder settlement at Plymouth ; the prospect of their in
crease ; the dissensions among them ; the relations maintained
with the savages, and influence exerted over them ; and, in
short, to whatever bore upon the present circumstances and
probable destiny of the two races. The occurrences at the
reception of the Taranteen embassy were also detailed — the
appearance of Sassacus, the excitement of the Indians, and the
consequences which followed.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 277

"I found it hard," said Sir Christopher, "to allay their wild
passion on the discovery of the Pequot Chief. I had to urge
upon them that they were committed to my care by you (I had
before received your missive from one of them) and that instant
destruction would follow any act of violence. I reminded them
that their mission was one of peace, and endeavored to shame
them for exhibiting so much feeling at the sight of a single war
rior. Nor was I blinded by their apparent submission, but strove
to remove the Pequot out of their way. With how little success
you know."

Father Le Vieux listened with profound attention, and from
time to time made memoranda in his tablets of those parts of the
communication which possessed for him the deepest interest. At
its conclusion, he continued silent awhile, looking thoughtfully on
the ground, as if deliberating over what he had heard.

" The thoughts of man are vanity," he said, at length. " In a
way that we dreamed not of hath Almighty Wisdom delivered
us from this peril. Vainly, in our ignorance, we strove to pre
vent a meeting between the Taranteens and the English heretics ;
and lo, it was the very thing to be desired ! They were brought
together only to be more widely divided, and a commencing
friendship has ended in a confirmed enmity. Blessed be the
Pequot, and mitigated be the pains of purgatory to the poor sa
vages who fell in the night attack, for the good they have done.
We are now safe from this danger."

The father paused, as if reflecting, and then again spoke.

"It would be strange," he said, "and the thought itself
seems impious, if this goodly land, with its thousands of im
mortal souls, should be delivered over into the hands of these
accursed heretics. My heart is troubled, and a sacred horror in
vades me when I think thereupon. This is a time of tribulation,
and our faces gather blackness. Holy Mary !" he continued,
(crossing himself and raising his eyes to Heaven,) "intercede with

278 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

thy glorified Son to quicken our faith and shorten the days of
our trouble. Let not these insatiable locusts from the pit of
darkness, whose end is destruction — these deceivers and deceived,
who would tear down thy church, and defile her altars, have,
even in seeming, their will ! O, let a strong wind arise and cast
them into the sea, that they may devour thy heritage no
more !"

" Amen, and Amen !" responded the sweet voice of Sir Chris
topher. " So may all the enemies of the church perish ! But
O, holy father, sad is it to see so much heroism in men, so much
resigned fortitude in delicate women, such wonderful courage,
such patience wasted, in promoting error."

" Quam diu Domine /" exclaimed the father. " The days of man
are but as a shadow and a tale that is told. He cometh out of
darkness, and returneth thither again. But thy years, O Lord,
are everlasting, and thy counsels like the great deep. O, stamp
this truth on our hearts, and it shall cure our impatience. How
long Divine Wisdom shall permit the raging waves of this pesti
lential heresy of the arch-deceiver, the licentious Luther, to beat
against His church, threatening as with the jaws of hell to devour
her, it is not for man to know ; but we do know that they cannot
prevail, for she is founded on a rock, and bought with a great
ransom, and the Word of God is pledged to her triumph. But
it becomes every true son of Holy Church to have his loins
girded, and to let no weakness of the flesh or fainting of the
spirit interfere, to delay that hoped-for time when this miserable
delusion shall disappear. Verily, heavy is the task imposed on
feeble shoulders ; but in the strength of One who can supply
strength, will we prevail."

"Has any information," inquired Sir Christopher, "been re
ceived respecting the new colony to be planted under Lord Balti
more, in Maryland, or promise of assistance from our friends at
home?"

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 279

" The English Catholics," answered. Father Le Vieux, " are
lukewarm. The air of their foggy isle is tainted. Not much do
I expect from this Cecil, Lord Baltimore. He is, forsooth, a phi
losopher — a man who stands half the time upon his head — for
he is one of them who are puffed up with conceit of worldly
knowledge, and who, in contradiction of Holy Scripture, assert,
with Galileo Galilei, that this world is a ball which daily
turns round. His company has not arrived, and never may
arrive. Not on the timorous and doubting English Catholics, but
on my own brave countrymen and the faithful Spaniards, must
we rely for the accomplishment of the j^eaven-inspired thought
of our great founder, the immortal Loyola."

" Expect you," inquired Sir Christopher, " to convert these
English colonies into dependencies of France or Spain ?"

" To you and to me, and every true Catholic, it is of little
consequence whether they be French, or Spanish, or English col
onies, so they be gathered into the bosom of Mother Church.
Of how little moment are the transitory things of time, our poor
distinctions of nationalities, our weak prejudices, our loves and
hates, in comparison with eternity and its determinations. Then,
in that other world, there will be neither French, nor English,
nor Spanish, but ' the blessed of the Father,' to enter the king
dom prepared for them ; or howling heretics, whose doom is fire
unquenchable."

" Holy Father," said the Knight, " I pray, you to forgive me ;
but, in my ignorance, I by no means approve of your design, nor
have I confidence in its success. Consider the consequence,
should even a suspicion of it be entertained by the Government
of England. These colonies are now regarded as only nests of
wild sectaries, who have fled from restraint at home to indulge
fanatical imaginations in a wilderness. At present, they are neg
lected and despised by the general, none, save those of their own
infatuated faith, thinking of, or countenancing them ; but, let it

280 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

be once surmised that France or Spain is attempting, either by
fraud or violence, to set foot among them, and you will see the
whole force of the kingdom in arms to counteract your plot^ and
thousands of heretic emigrants will arrive, where now only a few
make their appearance."

" My son, it is easier to crush error in the egg than in the full-
grown serpent. But forget you not that you are only a secular
coadjutor, and therefore bound simply to obey ?"
"Peccavi" said the Knight, bending his head.
"Absolve. I espied this weakness in the confession of sins,
and now solemnly warn thee against it. Attend, my son, and be
my words remembered. I perceive in thee a jealousy of the po
litical power of other nations, when they conflict with thine own.
This, to the untutored mind of the vulgar, seems commendable,
yet do I reprehend it, and say unto it, 'Apage, Sathanas f as the
fruitful seed of discord betwixt nations, and an impediment in the
march of the Church. As high as the concerns of Heaven trans
cend those of earth, do the interests of the true and universal
Church those of the petty kingdoms which, for their own good,
she subjects to her control. They are not to be thought of when
her magnificent voice is heard. Who is it speaks from the chair
of St. Peter, but the Vicegerent of God? Who is Vitalleschi,
our chief, but another accredited instrument to accomplish the
salvation .'of the nations ? And if it be the duty of every Cath
olic to set the welfare of the Church before all other considera
tions, and to die a thousand deaths before abandoning it, how
much more is it the life-business of each member of the Society
of Jesus to sacrifice all things for her ! Power, wealth, fame,
life, and honor, which some value more than life, what are they
all when weighed against that one duty and the reward that
awaits its observance ? The principles of the blessed Company
of Jesus are not the crude fancies of some crazy heretic, nor sug
gestions of man's unguided reason, but they are conclusions of

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 281

wise men inspired by the Holy Spirit, and infallibly directed to
truth ! Such thou and I have acknowledged them to be by be
coming members of the Order, and thereby assuming its obliga
tions. My faith burns daily brighter — each obstacle but inflames
my zeal. If, by my martyrdom, I could advance our cause one
hour, how gladly would I lay down a life worthless, if not spent in
the service of the Church." f

Father Le Vieux paused, his fine face beaming with enthusiasm,
while the Knight bent again his head, and, kissing the priest's
hand, murmured " Peccavi" •

" Thy faithfulness I commend," resumed the father, " but as
thy spiritual guide, I warn thee against human weakness. It is
a mighty discourager of great undertakings. Only by faith and
remembrance of what thou art vowed to, can it be overcome.
Nor doubt, though thou dost not clearly understand, and but lit
tle progress seems to be made. Remember that though we must
soon depart, the Society of Jesus remains. Our Order may be
as the drops of water perpetually falling on a rock, which are
dashed into fragments by the fall ; yet is the fate of the repelling
body inevitable, and, after Centuries, it is doomed to be washed
away."

" Reverend Father," said the Knight, " I will bury thy words,
in my mind, and often meditate upon them."

" Do so, my son, and by the aid of Holy Mary, and the Saints,
and blessed Evangelists, doubt not they will profit. But I charge
thee to beware of laic reason and human impulses. Refer all
things to the standard whereby thou hast been taught, for so
only will it be well. Farewell ; morning approaches, and I de
part, for I would not have the presence of a white man suspected
by thy companion. I will communicate further with thee as
opportunity presents, and, meanwhile, I will consider how thy
mission may be made to redound most to the honor of the
Church. If, by restraining the ferocity of the Taranteens, the

12*

282 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

end may be accomplished, gladly will I exert my influence there
for ; but, on the contrary, if I see that a union among the tribes
can be effected, whereby these intrusive Philistines can be driven
from the land, I will put myself at the head of our savage friends,
and Winthrop and his unhappy followers shall be doomed."

He ceased, and bowed, and the Knight reverently bending his
body, took leave.

CHAPTER XXI.

Low, reverently low,
Make thy stubborn knowledge bow,
"Weep out thy reason's and thy body's eyes,
Deject thyself, that thou mayest rise,
To look to heaven — be blind to all below.

MATHEW PBIOB.

ON rising, which he did with the sun, leaving the Knight buried
in sleep, Arundel took his way through the village to enjoy the
fresh morning air and examine the Indian wigwams, it being the
first considerable collection of them which he had seen. He
found them, to the number of forty or fifty, extending at a dis
tance of four or five rods from one another, in a couple of wide
avenues, from the edge of a wood to the margin of a river. The
piece of ground on which the lodges were built seemed to be a
bit of alluvial formed by the overflowing of the river. All
along the stream were scattered fields of maize, whose tall, stout
stalks attested the richness of the soil. The cultivation was of
that sluggish and negligent description which was to be expected
from the indolent character of the Indians, it being entirely en
trusted to the squaws, the men considering labor beneath their
dignity. The object was attained, if the plants were sufficiently
protected against the encroaching weeds to enable them to over
top the latter, after which they were left to take care of them
selves. Yet, notwithstanding all this negligence, prodigal Nature

284 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

rendered a rich return. It has been said (with what truth we
know not) that the weeds of a soil depend upon the race which
cultivates it — they which spring from the sweat of an' Indian being
different from those which embarrass the toil of the white man
or the negro. If it be so, then have we perhaps another proof
of the kind accommodation of mother Earth to her children, ex
cusing for the reluctant Indian that labor which she exacts from
the hardier white and black man.

As Arundel passed by the bark wigwams, he was able to form
some opinion of the mode of life of the Taranteens. Indolently
thrown upon the ground in front of his lodge, in the soft summer
morning, he beheld its master inhaling the fumes of that perni
cious but seductive plant, which is one of the few gifts the North
American savage has transmitted to his conquerors, that promise
to perpetuate his memory. Little children, of whom seldom
more than two or three were to be seen in any wigwam, played
around him, now and then obtaining a word of notice, while
the patient squaws were either engaged in. ordinary culinary prep
arations, or, if more than one wife wterc in the lodge, dividing
their labors among themselves, the one cooking, a second mending
mocasons or robes, and a third preparing to start with her agri
cultural tools, made of Quohaug shells, (a large kind of clam,)
for the maize field. Here and there he could see young men
armed with bows and arrows, leaving for the surrounding woods,
in pursuit of that game on which was their principal dependance
for food. Only one old person did he behold, whence he inferred
that their precarious life was unfavorable to longevity. He
lounged throughout the whole encampment without interruption,
sometimes regarded with a frown, sometimes with a smile, but
for the most part treated with indifference.

The monotony of Indian life affords little to interest during the
week spent by Sir Christopher and Arundel among the Taran
teens. It was passed by the latter in daily hunts with some

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 285

young Taranteens, with whom he had contrived to ingratiate
himself, and to whom his gun was no unwelcome assistant in the
chase. The Knight had assured him of the absence of all danger
from the Indians, but even without such assurance, Arundel
would have preferred to encounter some peril rather than submit
to the tedium he must otherwise have endured.

As for Sir Christopher, his preconcerted meeting with Father
Le Vieux, and the conversation betwixt them, prove that he had
other objects besides the establishment of peace between the
English and the Taranteens. The determination of the question
of peace or war seemed to be left entirely with the Father. "We
may consider his remaining in the village was for the purpose of
waiting for the announcement of the conclusion to which the
Indians, under the direction of the Jesuit priest, should come,
and also to arrange their mutual plans ; for, taking advantage
of the absence of Arundel, which, as is seen, he encouraged,
the Knight had frequent conferences with the priest, the grand
object of which was Jo advance such measures as might
obtain the whole of North America for the Catholics, as South
America had already been secured. It would seem that, although
the Knight had the accomplishment of that result as much at
heart as the priest himself, his national pride and patriotism re
lucted attthe idea that English colonies should become possessions
of the hereditary enemies of his nation. It was to combat this
notion, and to satisfy him of his duty, to trample upon it at the
foot of the cross, that the arguments of the father were directed.
The plan of Sir Christopher was to supplant and overpower the
Puritans with English Catholics, which, by the aid of the
immense wealth of the Church, and the ability of the enterprising
Jesuits, he doubted not might be done, but not to make the colony
French. Devoted Catholic as he was, he was unable to renounce
his love of country.

Not so with the father. With the sagacity of a priest, he

286 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

placed no dependence upon any portion of a people whose coun
cils were ruled by Protestants, and with the conceit of a French
man, he had unlimited confidence in la grdnde nation ; besides,
he had been a witness, and partaken of the sufferings of his breth
ren, the French Jesuits, among the savages, and he relied much
on a zeal, the superior of which the world has never seen, and
which he believed sanctioned by heaven, and in spite of him
self, and try as he might to persuade himself of the contrary,
national feeling (as in the case of Sir Christopher) mingled with
the aspirations of the religionist. He would, indeed, rather than
fail, have courted the Turk himself, on whom he looked with
eyes about as favorable as on a Protestant, but he preferred that
his own nation, as well as his own order, should monopolize both
the glory and the advantages of the achievement. These feelings,
secret almost to himself, he carefully kept concealed from Sir
Christopher, whom he regretted was not a countryman, and con
fined himself to the religious aspect of the case. No opportunity
to remove a doubt, or inflame the zeal of his coadjutor, did he
allow to escape.

" There is but one Church," he said, in one of their conversa
tions, " and only through her sacred portals is the kingdom of
heaven to be entered — a truth received by every Catholic — else,
vain and unmeaning was the solemn tradition of the keys to St.
Peter. They who are not for her are against her, and must be
subdued to obedience by mild means if they will suffice — by harsh,
if necessary."

" To these truths I give my entire assent," said the Knight.

" I doubt it not — I doubt it not ; bat let all take heed, my son,
not to exhaust belief in the shadowy region of theory. Truth
should be an armed soldier to step out to deeds."

" Lord ! strengthen me," said the Knight, humbly.

" Such," said the father, " is the prayer of every true Catho
lie. Forgive me, my son, if, for the refreshing of my own resolu-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 287

tion, and the strengthening of thy soul, I repeat familiar truths,
but which cannot be too often reiterated, or long enough medi
tated upon. Methinks that as I give their vocal sweetness to the
air, these old woods do assume a more reverent aspect, and a tide
of holier transport streams through my heart. Holy Jesus ! I
would have no will ; I would have no mind but thine. Swallow
me up in thine ineffable perfections."

The two crossed themselves at the sacred name, and the Knight
softly said, " Amen."

" But let us be cautious," continued the priest, (t not to de
ceive ourselves as do some, who fancy themselves sound, and yet
are diseased ; who mix up the suggestions of the carnal under
standing with heavenly promptings. Said not holy St. .Augus
tine, credo quia impossibile est 1 There are minds too shallow
to perceive the profound wisdom of the maxim, and scoff at it as
an absurdity. By God's grace, my son, we are not of the num
ber. We see it ; we feel it. Thanks to the discipline wherewith
we have been exercised. Our souls do calmly repose on this truth,
and in its strength shall the servants of the church triumph.
What is impossible to man, is possible with God."

" I embrace this truth," said Sir Christopher.

" Nor when commanded by a superior is it ours to question, in
imaginary wisdom, as is the manner of the world, the propriety
of the order. As an archangel, commissioned by the Supreme
Intelligence to execute his decrees, and pour pestilence or famine
upon a land devoted to destruction for its sins, may not say what
doest thouj so must not a servant of the Order of Jesus doubt the
inspiration of him whom he is bound to obey. Does he so, he is
too weak for the post whereunto his presumption has aspired, and
false alike to himself and the cause he espoused. Not unto the
weak in mind, but to the strong in faith, is committed the cause
of the Church."

" Holy Father," said the Knight, " your words probe the

288 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

secrets of my soul. I do intend, and practice always, perfect
obedience to my superior, knowing that whatever is ordered by
him whom the ordinance of God, and of our holy Order hath set
over me, I may not only perform without sin, but that the same
will redound to my salvation ; and yet, in spite of fastings and
prayers, do involuntary doubts sometimes creep into my mind,
which I hasten to banish, as the whisperings of the devil."

" They are — they are the instigations of Sathanas," said the
priest, crossing himself. " O, my son, whenever these tempta
tions occur, remember thy vows and obligations, and betake thy
self more diligently to prayer and penance. But, Sir Christopher,
it becomes me not to address thee as a babe in Christ. Though
it be thy pleasure to remain in an inferior position, thou hast a
mind which soars with the highest in the order, and comprehends
the theory and working of our regimen. Upon the divine pat
tern have we modeled our system, and the operation of the same
must run parallel therewith. As at the head of the Universe
stands the Law-giver and Ruler, so with us ; as obedience to him
is order and truth, so with us ; as to accomplish his purposes he
makes use of all influences, tempest, lightning, plague, pestilence,
the sword, as well as of the breeze of health, the refreshing rain
and golden sunshine, now melting with his smile, and now terri
fying with his frown, so do we. Teaches not God by his exam
ple how to govern his world ?"

11 Aye, possessed we his wisdom," said the Knight.

" Doubt not, that if with a holy motive we seek to do his will,
He will furnish the wisdom. Blessed unto the children of Israel
was their obedience, when hearkening unto Moses, God's vicege
rent to them, they did, stifling all suggestions of infatuated reason
which would stamp the deed as a cruelty, put to the edge of the
sword thousands of men, women, and children, of the unhappy
Canaanites. Who will doubt it right? And thinkest thou the
authority of Moses over a few wild tribes more prevailing, and

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 289

an act sanctioned by him a temporary guide, more pleasing than
one approved by the successors of St. Peter, more solemnly and
extensively invested with the divine power, and destined to exist
to the end of the world ? If the offending heathen might lawfully
be slaughtered at the command of the Jewish leader, it is impious
to shrink from sacrifices like those on the altar of St. Barthol
omew, when required by the Vicar of Christ. If by direction of
one entitled to give the order, I slay my brother, my motive being
obedience, and the promotion of the interests of the Church, the
greater is my reward for overcoming the weakness of the flesh,
and forcing it, albeit, reluctant, to obey. Emptied of myself I am
filled with divine grace. The creature is enabled to be made the
sword of the creator. A higher reason, incomprehensible because
so high, is substituted for the lower, and the dogma of St. Augus
tine becomes an animating principle and a living power. Try,
prove, search, examine thyself, my son, and thou wilt find these
doubts do arise from the rebellious reason ever ready to set itself
up as God, and to demand the worship which belongs to Him.
Each one would be a law unto himself, and hence as many laws
as law-givers. Let the reason of man prevail, (an impious
thought, and an impossible fact,) and the seamless coat of Christ
is rent, a deluge of all manner of heresies and abominations fol
lows, and Zion in sackcloth mourns her blighted hopes. Behold
the condition of the world, how it confirms my words 1"

" Father, feeling as well as the unsanctified reason, does at
times rebel."

" Alas, they are conspirators together. How willingly the one
echoes the fancies of the other, while they deal out mutual en
couragement ! But it needs not to say, to thee at least, that
feeling can be no criterion of truth ; or, rather, that the disturb
ance of the faculties, baptized with the name of feeling, and which
springs from a corrupt nature, must be hostile thereto. There is
in high contemplations on man's duties, but one infallible test of

290 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

truth, viz : the Holy Scriptures, as interpreted by the faithful
witness, the Church. To them, my son, the one as the record, and
the other as the inspired interpreter, is it our duty, and should be
the business of our lives, to bring into subjection the rebellious
passions, the fainting weaknesses and erring reason. Inspired
by this grand truth, behold thousands of devoted men and women,
weak with human infirmity, but sustained by courage from on
high, renouncing the dulcet, but transitory enjoyments of this life,
to encounter, for the salvation of their souls, and of others, pri
vation and sorrow, and painful death. Quce terra non plena nostri
laboris 1 Yet, O how contemptible is the suffering, when com
pared with the joy of the hope which is set before us — of the
starry crown that awaits the willing martyr ! Feed thy soul,
my son, on these divine contemplations, until they become a part
of thyself, and the path that leads to a bloody grave shall be
strewed with roses. Be the motto of our order forever before
thine eyes. From the mystical words in majorem gloriam Dei,
shall beam a light brighter and more blessed than that of the
sun, for it flows from the throne of the Eternal."

With suggestions and arguments like these did the enthusiastic
father endeavor to animate and confirm the less exalted resolu
tion of his fellow-laborer. Nor were they without an influence.
As the thirsty traveller, faint and worn with the toil and heat of
the day, drinks of the refreshing spring, and bathes his brow in
its cooling waters, and goes strengthened on his way, so did the
Knight derive vigor from his words.

At their last meeting, Father Le Vieux announced the conclu
sion to which he had persuaded the Taranteens.

" Hostilities at the present time were premature," he said.
" The tribes are not sufficiently united to make head, with all the
assistance we can afford, against the heretics. We will wait
awhile, until the present supposed outrage is followed by another
— and, in the position and temper of the English, it is inevitable

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 291

— which shall rouse other tribes. Be sure, the Taranteens will
not forget. The war-whoop must sound simultaneously, from
the Kennebec to the mouth of the Connecticut, or our labor will
be worse than lost. Meanwhile, a great advantage has been
gained. A gulf is now between the proud Englishman and the
Taranteen, over which neither will pass. Your report, then, to
them who sent you will be peace. Thus will their confidence in
you and your influence be increased." [At the same time the
father gave a letter for Sister Celestina.] " Tell her," he con
tinued, " of my admiration of her devotion. Blessed be she
among women !"

Thus they parted, the priest to return to his self-sacrificing
labors among the Indians, at no distant period to end in that
crown of martyrdom after which his soul panted, and the Knight
to his post of observation near the English colony.

CHAPTER XXII.

" So full of passion were his amorous glances,

So artfully the wicked jade dissembled,
So well each sighed ridiculous romances,

That for them both, I TOW, I fairly trembled."

ANomrMotrs,

DURING the absence of the Knight and his young friend, events
had occurred which require us to shift the scene of our theatre
to Boston and its environs.

The indefatigable Spikeman continued to prosecute his in
trigues with his accustomed audacity. The evil passion which
he had conceived for the pretty Prudence, so far from being
checked by the repulses he received from the wily maiden — re
pulses which left room for hope — only stimulated to redoubled
exertion. He was like a sportsman, whose eagerness in the pursuit
of game is only heightened by its shyness and difficulty of cap
ture ; and, with no disparagement of the virtue of the co
quettish girl, it must be admitted that, for the want of something
better to exercise her active faculties, (the difficulties of her in
terviews with Philip having increased since his banishment,) she
found a, mischievous delight in the power she possessed over
Spikeman, and in playing off her caprices at his expense. So far,
indeed, by her blandishments, had she succeeded in blinding his
eyes and subjecting him to her power, that she herself wondered
at her success. The path which she was treading was danger-

294 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELIOE.

ous, but her youthful presumption, and the pleasure she derived
from the influence which the insane passion of the Assistant gave
her over him, stopped her ears to the warnings of prudence and
the suggestions of propriety. If Philip Joy, whom with no
divided affection she loved in her own way, had known all, he
would scarcely have been so contented at the dwelling of Sir
Christopher. Yet, as we have seen, did Prudence make no se
cret to Philip of the admiration of Spikeman ; and, after the
first conversation in which she disclosed it, had more than once
laughed with him at the advances of her antiquated lover. But
her disclosures were made in such a manner — with such a half-
telling of the truth — with such a revelation here, and a conceal
ment there, as to provoke more merriment than apprehension.

Nor, while indulging a feeling which cannot be called love,
was Spikeman regardless of his hatreds. He strove by every
means to excite distrust and ill-will against Sir Christopher and
Arundel. As for the humble Philip, he hardly looked upon him
any longer as a rival, such had been the success of the deceitful
Prudence. With these preliminary observations, the reader is
prepared for what follows.

It was at the house of the Assistant Spikeman, and there
were no persons in the room save himself and Prudence. The
door was closed, and the girl was standing with a besom in one
hand, while the Assistant, who was seated, had hold of the
other, and was looking up into her hazel eyes. He drew her
down with a force which was not resisted, and imprinted a kiss
on the cheek she half averted.

" Prudence," he said, " how long shall I languish I Verily am
I as one who longs for the dawn." »

" You do not love me half as much as you pretend," said the
girl, still standing by his side, and suffering her hand to be
pressed by his. " There is too wide a difference betwixt us, and I
am all the time afraid you are only making a fool of me."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 295

" By this palm, softer than the down of the cygnet ; by thy lips,
redder than rubies ; by thy diamond eyes, I swear I love thee
dearer than my own soul," exclaimed Spikeman.

" How can you speak of your soul," said Prudence, smiling as
she spoke, " when you know you are talking and acting like a
wicked man T1

" Canst thou not understand the liberty of the saints ? Is it
not written, that to him only who thinketh a thing to be evil,
it is evil ? Surely, I have explained all this, .even unto
weariness?"

" Aye, it may be so with thee ; but I am no saint. I am
afraid I'm doing very wrong."

" If you thought so," replied the Assistant, gently drawing her
down upon his lap, " would you occupy this place ; would a smile
beautify those intoxicating lips, and would I read paradise in
thine eyes 1"

Prudence threw her arm round Spikeman's neck, and sunk her
face upon his shoulder, as if to evince her tenderness and hide her
blushes, but in truth, to conceal a disposition to laugh.

" I wish," she said, presently raising her head, and looking
Spikeman bewitchingly in the face, " I knew whether you really
mean what you say ?"

" Thou art unjust to me, Prudence. Have I not giyen every

possible proof of affection ? What hast thou asked that I have

withheld ? Have I not treated thee as the elect lady of my soul f

" Nay, there be some things which you refuse to tell me. I

am foolish," she added, forcing some moisture into her eyes;

« but— but "

''• But what, O garden of delights"?" asked Spikeman, kissing
the hypocritical tears away.

" When you refuse me anything, I think you do not love —
love me."

" Ask, and thou wilt be convinced of the contrary."

296 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" I am but a woman," she said, looking at him with a smile
so sweet that we almost pardon poor Spikeman his infatuation,
" and I feel like dying when I know there is a secret, and cannot
get at the bottom of it."

" What secret t I understand thee not."

" If you yourself had not dropped a hint, I had never thought
of it ; but it was about this Knight they call Sir Christopher
Gardiner, whom Governor Winthrop thinks so much of."

" We will cure him of that folly. What foolish thing have I
said to this girl?" thought the Assistant. "Prudence," he ad
ded, " this is a matter that cannot concern thee. Thou wouldst
not have me speak of secrets of State I"

" Said I not right !" exclaimed Prudence, rising, and preparing
to leave the room, " that your love was but a pretext ?" How,
I want to know, is a secret of State better than any other1?
Now, had I given poor Philip half the encouragement which my

silly fondness for thee O, dear ! " and she put her

hands up to her eyes.

" Come," said Spikeman, pursuing and bringing her back,
"name not the presumptuous varlet. On one condition I will tell
thee, even though it ruin me."

" What may that be ?" inquired the girl.

" I have long solicited an interview where we should not
be liable to interruption. Grant me that, and I will conceal
nothing."

" Thou dost grant nothing without a condition. I do not
know," she added, tossing her head, " whether I care anything,
after all, about this mystery. I dare say there is nothing in it,
and, as you say, it concerns me not."

" Be not angry, sweet Prudence. Ask, and I will answer all
thy questions."

" You know, too, how much I would do to pleasure you,
sighed Prudence. " Ah I me, how weak a thing is a woman's
heart."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 297

" Then you will not deny me ? Know then that letters have
arrived from England, charging this knight, or pretended knight,
with diverse grave offences."

" And what may they be ?" inquired the girl.

" He is complained of as a fugitive from justice," answered
Spikeman, who meant to communicate no more information than
he was obliged to.

" The sweet, handsome gentleman ! I do not believe he ever
harmed any one. But what did he ?"

^ Of that I am not positively informed, not having seen the
epistles, they being addressed to private persons."

" Have they anything against Master Miles, too ?" asked Pru
dence.

" I doubt not that he is the worse of the two, if all were
known."

" These be dreadful lies about the nicest and properest men in
the country," cried Prudence. " And what will be done with
them when they come back ?"

" That I cannot tell ; but be sure we shall find some means of
getting rid of them. And now, Prudence — "

"I do not know that I made any promise," she said, archly;
" and you have told me very little, after all."

" I have told thee all I know. Keep now equal good faith with
me."

" It would be very improper," said the girl, turning away her
face, " to invite a man to a secret meeting ; but I sometimes wan
der on the edge of the forest to gather wild flowers, and hear the
birds sing, and if you should come thither by accident, at the
same time, nobody, I suppose, would find fault."

" But when — but when, lovely Prudence I Ah ! you compre
hend not the longing of my soul."

" That I cannot say now. I am only a servant girl, and must
obey the directions of my mistress, which are often very unreason
able, and order not my time."

13

298 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Would I were a king, for your sake ! But shall it be soon "?"

" As soon as may be, and I will let you know the time and
place." So saying, she broke away from the enamored Spike-
man, and ran to acquaint her young mistress with all that had
happened.

The young lady felt seriously alarmed at the communication
of her confidante — an alarm increased by the vagueness of the
information, as in a dark night the fearful imagination invests
with terrors some object, which, in the light of day, proves to be
a harmless bush or stump — and the two young women consulted
together if any thing could be done to avert the threatened dan
ger. They could think of nothing better than to acquaint Arun-
del with it, which Prudence took upon herself to do.

" But how," inquired Eveline, " is it to be done ?"

" You forget Philip Joy, madam," said Prudence.

" I might have known better than to distrust your wiles and
stratagems, you cunning girl," said her mistress; "but have a
care of thyself. I sometimes feel much anxiety on thy account —
but I forbid this meeting with Master Spikeman."

" An' it be so," answered the waiting-maid, pouting, " you
may find some one else, Mistress Eveline, to tell you about the
plots of the old dragon, who has us in his claws."

" For shame, thou petulant thing ! yet tell me now all thy
design."

" You tell me not all your thoughts about Master Miles, and
why should I acquaint you with mine about my Joe ?" said Pru
dence, bursting into a laugh.

" There is some difference, methinks, between the cases — have
thy way though. I have confidence in thee, Prudence, and be
lieve thee as witty as pretty. Thy own goodness and love for
the soldier Joy shall stand by thee like guardian angels, to save
from harm. Yet like I not this tampering with anything that
looks like evil."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 299

The girl knelt down by the side of her mistress, and taking the
young lady's hand, laid it on her heart.

'; Thou feelest," she said, " how it beats. Dost understand
what it says !"

" Methinks it repeats only, Philip, Philip, Philip," said Eve
line, smiling.

" Where one fillip belongs to him, a great many belong to
thee," answered the waiting-maid, affectionately. " It will be
time enough to let him have more when I am sure all his are
mine."

The young lady bent down, and, throwing her arms round the
maiden's neck, kissed her cheek.

" What have I done to deserve such affection ?" she murmured.
" O, Prudence, thou art a treasure to me ; but be cautious, be
cautious, my girl. Not for all the blessings which thy loving
heart would heap upon me, would I have the least harm befall
thee."

A few days after, as the summer, sun was setting, and his last
rays lighting up the tops of the trees into a yellow sheen, and
kindling into liquid gold the placid surface of Massachusetts Bay,
a female figure was to be seen hovering on the margin of the
wood in that neighborhood. In consequence of the inequalities
of the ground, and of some intervening bushes and trees, the col
lection of houses that lay along the shore of the bay was not
visible from the spot where she was walking, nor was there a
path to indicate that it was a place of any resort. It seemed to
be a spot well adapted to privacy. No sound was to be heard,
save the occasional tap of a woodpecker, or the whirr of the
wings of a partridge, as, startled by the approach of the person,
he suddenly rose into the air, or the songs of the robins, bidding
farewell, in sweet and plaintive notes, to the disappearing sun.
The female walked on, stopping now and then to gather a wild
flower, until she reached a spring which bubbled at the foot of

300 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICB.

an immense beech tree. It ran a rod or two in a silvery stream
from its fountain, and then leaping down a miniature fall into a
sort of natural basin, surrounded with rocks, expanded itself into
a small pool, as clear as crystal. Around the basin were gath
ered companies of such wood-flowers as love the water, conspicu
ous among which, both for number and beauty, were the yellow
and orange blossoms of the elegant " jewels," as boys call them.
Advancing to this little mirror, the female took a seat on one of the
rocks, on the edge of the water, and bending over, appeared to
contemplate, with no little satisfaction, what she beheld there ;
and to tell the truth, it was a pretty face, and justified some
vanity. Black hair and hazle eyes, red lips and blooming cheeks,
and a well-formed person, composed a whole whereon the eye
rested with pleasure. Prudence, (you have guessed it was she,)
after looking at the reflection of herself awhile, and smoothing
down a stray tress or two, selected from the flowers in her hand
some of the most beautiful, and humming a tune, commenced
arranging them in her hair. She was some little time about her
toilette, either because her taste was difficult to be suited, or be
cause her employment afforded an excuse for looking at what
was certainly more attractive than the flowers themselves. She
was so long about their arrangement, that she had hardly com
pleted it, and had time to twist her neck into only five or six
attitudes, to see how they became her, when a rustling was heard
in the bushes, and immediately the Assistant Spikeman stood by
her side.

" Verily, sweet maiden," he said, " thine eyes outshine the
stars, which will soon twinkle in the sky, and the flowers around
thee pine with envy at beholding a blush lovelier than their own."

A sudden and unpleasant interruption put a stop to the fine
speeches of the debauched hypocrite, for he had hardly concluded
the sentence, when, without a warning, a strong hand grasped his
throat, and he was hurled with irresistible violence to the ground.

THE KXIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. SOI

As the Assistant was lying prostrate on his face, he could hear
Prudence, with screams, each fainter than the former, running in
the direction of the settlement, while, without a word being spo
ken, his arms were violently forced upon his back and bound, an
operation which his struggles were unable to prevent. This be
ing performed, he was suffered to rise, and, upon gaming his feet,
he saw himself in the presence of Sassacus. The blood fled the
cheeks and lips of Spikeman as he beheld the savage, and felt
that he was in the hands of one whom, without cause, he had
injured, and who belonged to that wild race, with whom revenge
is a duty as well as a pleasure. His knees trembled, and he was
in danger of falling to the ground, as the thought of death, whereof
horrid torments should be the precursors, flashed through his
mind. But the trepidation was only momentary, and soon, with
the hardihood of his audacious nature, he steeled himself to dare
whatever should follow — and it marks the character of the man,
that the bitterness of the moment was aggravated at the thought
of the vanishing of the fond dreams with which he had idly fed
his imagination.

His captor called out in his own language, and presently
another Indian came running up. A few words passed between
them, when the latter stepping forward, Sassacus made a motion
to Spikeman to follow, placing himself at the same time in the
rear. Resistance would have been unavailing, and could serve
110 other purpose than to rouse the passions of the Indians, and
invite immediate injury. Something might yet happen to his
advantage. He might be rescued, or effect his escape, or the
chapter of accidents might have something else favorable, he
knew not what, in store. The Assistant, therefore, quietly sub
mitted, and followed as ordered.

Their course lay directly through the densest portions of the
forest, and as the rapidity of their progress was impeded by the
constrained position of the captive's arms, Sassacus, as if in con-

302 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

tempt of any effort to escape, cut the ligatures with the knife
that hung at his neck, intimating the motive at the same time by
an acceleration of speed. As Spikeman was thus hurried along,
his thoughts went after Prudence, and he wondered what had
become of her. Notwithstanding his own peril, he felt (and it
proves the deep interest he cherished for the girl) a melancholy
pleasure in the hope that she had escaped, not that even though
she had fallen into the hands of the savages, he would have en
tertained fears for her life, but she might have been doomed to a
hopeless captivity, far away from friends, whom she was never to
see again, and condemned, in some distant wigwam, to exchange
the comforts of civilization for a wild life, which, to her, could
•bring only wretchedness. Bad as was Spikeman. and lamentable
as might be his infatuation for the girl, there was even in that,
something which redeemed it from being utter evil.

Daylight had now faded entirely away, but the Indians abated
not their speed, and pursued their course in a straight line, as
though guided by an infallible instinct. In this manner they
proceeded for nearly two hours, and, at the expiration of the
time, arrived at a collection of three or four lodges of the rudest
structure. Several of the natives were lying on the ground,
smoking their pipes, but they took no other notice of the new
comers than looking at them as they came up. Sassacus led
the way into the largest wigwam, and, having directed his prisoner
to sit down, left the cabin.

Spikeman knew well enough that, with all this seeming inat
tention, he was vigilantly watched, yet could he not forbear from
walking to the entrance, looking around at the same time, if, by
chance, he might espy a weapon. He saw none, however, and
two stout Indians made motions to him to return. Meditating
on his situation, and casting about in his mind for expedients,
either to evade his captors or to change the resolution of the Pe-
quot chief, which, he doubted not, aimed at his life, he resumed

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 303

his seat. He was unable to remain more than a few moments
in quiet, and presently again approached the opening, and this
time beheld a sight which curdled his blood.

It was a stake driven into the ground, at a distance of not
more than a rod from where he stood, around which several In
dians were heaping up faggots of dry sticks and broken branches.
Spikeman shuddered, and tasted, in almost as lively a manner as
if he were already experiencing them, the agonies that awaited
him, for he could not doubt that the preparations were made on
his account. The conduct of his keepers, therefore, was unneces
sary, who pointed first to the pile, and then to himself, intimating
thereby that one was designed for the other. The effect pro
duced on him was such that he could hardly restrain himself
from attempting to burst through his guards, either by some mir
acle to get free, or to obtain an easier death from the tomahawk
or arrow. But in all the horrors of these dreadful moments, the
mind of Spikeman remained as clear as ever, and he saw plainly
the impossibility of evasion, and the folly of supposing that the
Indians would be tempted to throw a tomahawk, or discharge an
arrow against an unarmed man, whereby they might rob them
selves of the fiendish pleasure they anticipated — besides, thought
the miserable Spikeman, I should be more likely to receive the
stroke of death when their passions are excited, than at present ;
and with a desperate calmness, and striving to defy the worst, he
awaited what should happen.

CHAPTER XXIII.

These the sole accents from his tongue that fell,
But volumes lurked below that fierce farewell.

BYROIT.

WHEN Sassacus left Spikeman, it was only to step into a lodge
not half a dozen rods distant. Though smaller than the one into
which the prisoner had been introduced, it was superior in com
fort, as was, indeed, to be expected, being that of the Sagamore
himself. Here he found the soldier, Philip Joy.

" What means this, Sassacus f exclaimed the soldier, as the
Pequot entered. "Was it not our covenant that the life of the
white man should be spared?"

" My brother did not mean what he said when he asked that
his enemy might be permitted to run away. Who, when he
catches a wolf, says, 'Wolf, Indian set the trap only to see
whether it would hold fast your legs. The wise hunter talks
not so, but strikes the wolf on the head.' "

" Sassacus," said Joy, " this may not be. If you had caught
Master Spikeman, by your own cunning, it might have been dif"
ferent ; but it was the while girl and I who devised the scheme,
and I told you where to place the ambuscade, which has been
successful. Were you to murder this man, the guilt would rest
more on Prudence and me than on you, whose savage and un-
Christian notions may partly excuse so dreadful an act."

13*

306 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" My brother's heart is soft, like moss, but the heart of Sassacus
is a stone. My brother must learn to harden his heart, and he
shall soon behold a punishment becoming a great Sagamore. My
brother thinks and feels like a Christian. Good ! but he must
let Sassacus feel like an Indian."

" Let him go," said Joy, " and he shall pay you store of wam-
pompeag and colored cloth. Of what use can it be to you to
put him to a horrid death 1"

" Wampompeag and colored cloth are good, but Sassacus is a
great chief, and they cannot make him forget an injury. Before
the white men came, his ancestors punished and rewarded, and
he will not surrender the prerogative of his family."

" By the bones of my father," swore the soldier, " I will not
permit this cold-blooded murder. Hated I him ten-fold more
than I do, I would defend his life at the hazard of my own.
Where is my gun?" he demanded fiercely, seeking after it.
"Who has dared to remove it ?"

" Sassacus took it away, that his brother might do no mischief
with it," said the Pequot.

" False Indian !" exclaimed the soldier, passionately ; " call
me not again your brother. I will have nothing to do with one
whose promises cannot bind, and who loves revenge more than
honor."

" Sassacus never breaks his word, but, if he did, it would be
only imitating the white men. Would my brother speak to my
prisoner, whom, at this moment, he loves more than the justice
of an Indian ?"

" Why should I speak to him, when I should hear only
curses ?"

" Then remain here to behold the punishment of the bad white
man."

He strode out of the lodge, while the soldier, burning with
indignation, disposed himself so that, unseen, he might notice all

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 307

that was done, and determined, unarmed as he was, to inter
pose.

Presently Sassacus re-appeared, emerging from the larger lodge,
followed bj the Assistant, whose arms were bound again, and
who was conducted by two savages, holding him by either arm.
They led him straight to the pile around the stake, which the
Chief ordered to be lighted, and whose billowy flames were kept
rolling up by additions, from time to time, of the dry wood which
lay in abundance around. Seated on a log not far from the fire,
whose heat might indeed be felt, Sassacus commanded his prisoner
to be brought before him.

" Bad white man," he said, " look on yon flames ! Are they like
that hell which thy powaws say is prepared for such as thouf

Spikeman turned his ghastly face away from the blaze, with a
shudder, but he said nothing.

" The white man is silent," said Sassacus. " He acknowledges
the justice of his doom. Lead him to the fire."

Spikeman, notwithstanding the horror of his situation, suc
ceeded in a measure in concealing his feelings, and, affecting an
indifference to his fate, advanced a few steps with the two In
dians, who held his arms, when, suddenly making a violent
effort, he burst the withes with which he was carelessly bound,
and, throwing them both off, started to run. The oppor
tunity had probably been given purposely by the savages, for
their diversion, and in order to protract the terrors of the cap
tive, and knowing that flight was impossible. But, blinded by
the glare of the fire, Spikeman remarked not a trunk of a tree in
his path, and, stumbling over it, fell to the ground, bruised and
torn, and before he could rise, found himself again held fast. Curs
ing his ill luck, he made no further resistance, but sullenly suffered
himself to be led back. Philip Joy, on seeing Spikeman break
away, started from his place of concealment ; so that the two
were confronted on the latter's return. The sight of Philip

308 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

awoke a hope in Spikeman's bosom, who begged him to intercede
with the savage.

" I have done so already," answered Philip ; "but he will not
listen to me, and has deprived me of my arms."

" Speak to him again — he will regard what you say. Save
my life, and I will make recompense a thousandfold for any
wrong I have done you or him."

The Pequot, smiling, stood by, quietly listening to the colloquy,
and before Philip could address him, said :

" Did Sassacus promise his white brother to let the dog
(pointing to Spikeman) run away?"

" You did ; but care no more for your word than if you were
no chief."

" My brother's, is a pappobs speech. Sassacus never broke his
word ; he only tried whether the dog was as brave as he was
bad. White man," he added, turning to the Assistant, " thou art
free. A great chief disdains to give thee the death of a warrior.
Go back to thy people, and tell them what return the Sagamore
of the Pequots makes for thy breach of hospitality. His promise
to his brother saves thy life this time. But, beware ! A Saga
more does not forget. Be a snail that keeps its head within its
shell. If the snail puts it out, Sassacus will step upon it.
Depart."

He gave directions to a couple of his sanops to conduct the As
sistant to the verge of the forest, and, turning away, walked to
his lodge. He was followed by Philip, who had now recovered
from his amazement, and, understanding the conduct of the chief,
felt ashamed at his own want of discernment and distrust.

" Is my brother satisfied?" inquired the Pequot.

" Sagamore," answered Philip, " I wronged thee. It shall be
a lesson to make me more cautious in judging of thy actions."

" It is well. My .brother will hereafter remember that the
thoughts of a chief do not always shine in his face or sound in

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 309

his words. My brother will forgive me," he added, smiling, " for
shutting his eyes a little while very tight. It was that my bro
ther might be the more pleased when he opened them."

" A trusty friend" this Indian, after all, in his way, (thought
Philip, as he gazed on the face of the Pequot, which had set
tled into its usual gravity), and loves a jest, too. Who would
have thought it? Methinks he has the better of it with Master
Spikeman, though I misdoubt if he considers the score as
settled."

As for the Assistant, thus suddenly and unexpectedly re
prieved from a shocking death that seemed certain, he was stu-
pified at the abrupt change in his circumstances, and, as he
hurried on, half doubted whether it were not a dream. As he
threaded the intricacies of the wood; he had time to compare and
weigh events, and was thus enabled to come to some sort of con
clusion. He recollected now many little things in the conduct
of Prudence, which would have opened the eyes of any one not
blinded by an absurd passion, and saw how, while seeming not
averse to his pursuit, she had, in fact, only tempted on from one
folly to another, until his whole being lay disclosed to her, with
out herself making any corresponding return. He doubted not
that she had been all the time in correspondence with Joy, and
with him had concerted the plan whereby he had been betrayed
into the hands of the savage, to be outraged and mocked, and
made to suffer all but the bitterness of death. He gnashed his
teeth with rage as these reflections stormed through his mind,
and, far from being grateful for his deliverance, resolved to exert
the whole force and subtlety of which he was capable, to revenge
himself on his tormentors. The fire of his indignation burnt not
so fiercely against the Pequot, yet he, too, was embraced in the
schemes for vengeance, for Spikeman fully comprehended, from
his parting words, that the enmity betwixt them could be satis
fied only by the destruction of one or both. Turning all these

310 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

things over in his mind, he quickly formed a plan, which he
determined to put as soon as possible into execution.

The dawn broke before his guides left the Assistant ; but it
was too early to venture to return home, instead of which,
he sought his store-house, and there passed, meantime, awhile,
brooding over schemes of revenge. Of himself he was pow
erless; it was therefore necessary to set other forces at work,
and, in the letters which had been received reflecting on the
character of the Knight, he thought he saw the means of driving,
not only him, but Arundel also, out of the colony ; and they be
ing once removed, he trusted to his ingenuity to rid himself of the
simple soldier and the Indian. The political power of the colony,
in short, was to be compelled to effect his private designs. This,
in the condition of the little State, was no difficult enterprise. Tn
a strange land, hemmed in by savages, whose power they were
unable to estimate with any degree of certainty, and who, how
ever contemptible singly, were formidable by reason of their
number — upon whose friendship they could never securely rely —
on the eve of a war, probably, with the Taranteens — distrustful
of even some of their own people, who murmured at the severity
of the discipline they were subjected to — the government felt that
they had need of all the eyes of Argus, and of as many ears, to
guard against the dangers by which they were beset. They were
like, in one respect, to the timorous rabbit, snuffing the faintest
hint of danger in the breeze ; but unlike him in that, they sought
safety, not in avoiding, but in anticipating and confronting
danger.

" Dear life !" cried Dame Spikeman, as the haggard face of her
husband presented itself in the morning, "where hast thou been
all the night ? You look mightily cast down, and — O Lord !
Heaven forgive me ! — you have a wound on the side of your
head. Husband, what is the matter ?"

" Why, dame," answered the Assistant, "is it a new thing for

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 311

me to be absent one night ? Bethink thee how often my occa
sions call me to the plantation ?"

" Out upon the weariful plantation ! O, sweatheart !" said
the jealous but fond wife, " I like not these absences. But, how
got you this hurt ?" she inquired, parting his hair on the temple,
and exposing tire dried blood.

" It is only a scratch I received in the forest, and hardly worthy
thy notice, dame. But where is Mistress Eveline ? and I see not
Prudence ?"

" The young lady is still in her chamber, and, as for the wait
ing maid, I heard her but five minutes since singing away as if
there were no music in the world but her own. Truly, it
sounded more like a snatch from some profane ballad than a godly
hymn. I will tutor her about this levity. Now do not be angry,
dear life," added the dame, whose heart was made more tender,
and her tongue more communicative, by the anxieties she had
suffered during the night, on her husband's account ; "but I
have fancied that you looked at the girl oftener, sometimes, than
was becoming in a man who had a wedded wife who never said
him nay."

"Fie, Dame," said the Assistant, laughing, and pinching, and
kissing her still tempting cheek ; " what crazy fancies be these ?
Consider my years, and profession, and dignity, and, most of all,
my love for thee. Why, this is very midsummer madness."

"I suppose I am foolish," replied the dame, wiping a tear
away, " but I feared, lest the girl might derive some encourage
ment from it, though otherwise, Prudence is a good lass, arid obe
dient, and I have no other fault to find with her; but I recollect
now, when I was a girl, how I did feel when you came near me,
and I have not got over all these feelings yet, nor do I choose
that Prudence should have them. So, dear husband, it were safer
for the girl that you should look oftener at me, and less at her."

" My good, and faithful, and loving wife !" exclaimed the As-

312 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

sistant, enclosing her in his arms, and feeling something like com
punction at the moment, " you deserve a better mate. But
trouble not thyself with such misgivings. Do not this wrong,
sweet, to thine own charms, and to my profession and station, as
one of the congregation and a magistrate."

" Nay," answered the pleased wife, " I distrusted thee not so
much as the presumption of the damsel ; and if the devil goes
about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, as we
know he does, from the precious book, what place is more likely
for him to be in than these awful woods, filled with red heathens,
whom I take to be little better than his children ; and whom
. would he sooner devour, than a pretty maiden like Prudence 1"

''Enough of this, dame," said the Assistant, with difficulty
suppressing a smile at his help-meet's simplicity. " Bethink thee,
that though thy loving words are a feast to the spirit, the body
requires more substantial fare ?"

" True, and you shall have it forthwith, although, you wicked
man, I did sleep hardly a wink for thinking of thee." So saying,
the dame hurried off to hasten the morning meal.

The Assistant watched the countenances of Eveline and her
attendant that morning at breakfast, and, in spite of the efforts
of the former to appear unconstrained, and the demureness of the
latter, detected, he thought, sufficient to justify his suspicions.
He doubted not that the girl had betrayed his weakness to her
young mistress, and that all along he had been a laughing-stock
for both. " I will teach them," he said to himself, as he reflected
with bitterness on his failure, " how to offend one who has the
power and the will to crush them. The banishment of her min
ion, who, a love-sick swain, has followed her across the sea,
only to be sent back a disappointed fool, will answer for my
young lady ; and as for the girl, the slitting of Joy's ears and
nose, and an acquaintance of her own pretty feet with the stocks,
will suffice. It shall not be said that the sword of the magistrate
was put into my hands in vain."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 3 13

While the Assistant was busying his brain with machinations
like these, the opportune arrival of another ship from London, with
letters to himself, containing accusations against Sir Christopher
Gardiner, filled his heart with joy, and furnished additional means
to facilitate his purpose. Without delay, he took them to Win-
throp, and demanded a private audience. After reading the let
ters received by Spikeman, the Governor opened his desk, and
handed to his councillor others addressed to himself, and which
had arrived by the same opportunity. Greedily did the Assistant
devour their contents, and unbounded, though concealed, was his
joy at finding them in one particular of the same purport as his
own. His face, however, was sad, and his voice mournful, as,
returning the epistles, he said —

" A grievous thing is it, that hypocrisy, so finished, should walk
the earth. It is a day of rebuke and of scandal to us, as magis
trates, that we should be so deceived."

"• I am not altogether convinced," said Winthrop, who, steady
in his friendships, and prepossessed from the beginning in favor
of the Knight, was loth to think evil of him, " that these charges
are true. My own letters mention them only as reports — thine
speak of them more positively. Vouch you for the truth of your
correspondent ?"

" There is no man more truthful," answered Spikeman, who,
had it been necessary, would have been a guaranty for Beelzebub
himself. " I have known him long. He has never deceived me,
nor can I imagine motive therefor now."

"So fair, and yet so false!" murmured Winthrop; "and yet
we know that the evil one appears sometimes as an angel of light.
I will not trust in human appearance more. What shall be done
with him on his return ?"

" Let him be sent out of the colony, and they who are leagued
in his plots with him," said Spikeman. " I understand now the
wonderful eagerness of Master Arundel to be joined with him in

314 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

this embassy. Birds of a feather, says the proverb, do fly with
greatest joy together. Out upon this false Knight, for his pre
tended love of retirement ; upon his leman, this lady Geraldine,
forsooth ; and this squire of dames, Master Miles Arundel, whose
counterfeited affection for my ward may be only another cloak
for most pernicious plots."

" Thou art becoming suspicious of all the world, Master Spike-
man," said Winthrop, smiling.

" And is it not time to be suspicious, when those who have
been honored with the confidence of our government, and to
whom we have entrusted an important matter, are discovered to
be no better than landlaufers and conspirators "?"
¥<• " Dost distrust the good faith of the Knight in his embassy ?"
inquired the Governor,

" A bitter fountain cannot send forth sweet water, and should
even the undertaking of this false Knight be successful in appear
ance, would not my suspicion be quieted."

" Come, Master Spikeman, remember that you may be called
to sit as a judge on the fate of this gentleman, and that it becomes
men in our positions to keep the mind free from injurious pre
possessions, for only thus may justice, which is a ray from the
effulgent countenance of Him who sits on the circle of the hea
vens, be attained."

" This is no private matter of mine own," answered the As
sistant, " but a thing of public concernment ; and I humbly trust,
should ever my voice be demanded in its decision, that it will be
raised to the glory of God, and the advancement of the interests
of the colony which he has planted. But I should consider
myself derelict to duty, and unworthy of the trust committed to
me, were I to hold back my honest judgment, in view of the evi
dence now before me, subject to such modification as further ex
amination may give rise to, especially when that judgment is
asked for by the honored head of our oppressed Israel."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 315

" It is mj purpose," said Winthrop, rising, wherein he was
imitated by the other, " to call together, this evening, at this
place, for the due consideration of this subject, such of the As
sistants as may be here present in Boston, and to advise with
them thereupon, when and where I shall hope to be favored with
the presence and counsel of my friend, whose zeal is never slack
in aught that may redound to the welfare of the Commonwealth."

u My presence, God willing, may be depended on, worshipful
sir," answered Spikeman.

A meeting of the Assistants was accordingly held at the house
of the Governor the same evening, and the subject of the letters
received from England, and the course to be pursued in view of
their contents, considered in all their aspects. No great diversity
of opinion prevailed in respect to the necessity of caution, in re
posing any further confidence in Sir Christopher ; but as for the
proceedings to be adopted on his return, there was a considerable
difference of sentiment. The more moderate, and least preju
diced against the Knight, at the head of whom was Winthrop,
advised that he should be received with all honor, and the
charges laid privately before him, in the first instance, and an
opportunity afforded him to refute them. This they urged was
the more just and honorable mode, inasmuch as the accusations
came not before them invested with any judicial authority. But
an opposite party, headed by Spikeman, strenuously insisted on
another course. They contended, that in a matter of the kind,
severity, and even what might look like precipitation, was better
than a slackness, which might defeat their object. They pressed
the point, that such was the number of letters received (some of
them by private persons) reflecting on the character of Sir Chris
topher, it was impossible the information they contained should be
concealed from the public, and that, consequently, even before
the return of the Knight, news of it would reach his house.
This, they said, would put the false Lady Geraldine on her

316 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

guard, and afford opportunity to destroy papers, or whatever
else might be in existence to inculpate the Knight. It was, there
fore, their opinion, that the lady, with whatever might be found
in the house to assist their judgment, should be instantly seized,
and such other measures taken as to insure the arrest of Sir
Christopher. There was, however, too much nobleness of feel
ing in a majority of the Council to relish invading the privacy
of a female, on mere suspicion, while her protector was absent,
engaged in business of the State. Winthrop looked displeased at
the suggestion, and even the brow of the rough Dudley was cor
rugated into a haughty frown. As usually happens between
differing opinions, a half measure was resolved upon, which satis
fied neither party. It was to keep so strict a watch, that the
moment of Sir Christopher's return should be known, and a file
of armed men despatched by night, who should serve partly as a
guard of honor, and partly as a restraint upon the person, to
escort him to Boston. At the same time, with apologies for its
necessity, his books and papers were to be secured, and the lady
brought in all honor with him. This was the plan, should the
Knight visit his house before coming to Boston ; but if he arrived
at the settlement first, he was to be detained and examined, after
an account of his mission had been received.

CHAPTER XXIV.

" The flying rumors gathered as they rolled ;
Scarce any tale was sooner heard than told ;
And all who told It added something new,
And all who heard it made enlargement too ; —
In every ear it spread — on every tongue it grew."

POPE'S " Temple of Fame."

IGNORANT, of course, of the events which had occurred during
his absence, the Knight started from the Indian village in high
spirits, as it appeared to Arundel, at the success of his embassy.

" These savages are more placable than I anticipated," said
Sir Christopher, " for it must be admitted that, in appearance at
least, they have cause for grievous resentment. One might
almost suspect that, since their late defiance, a suspicion of the
truth had somehow penetrated their untutored minds. At any
rate, no war-whoop will be heard for the present, and we have
been received and treated with all courtesy."

" A gentler race of wild chivalry," said the young man, " doth
surely nowhere exist. Their free and careless lives make me
more than ever in love with nature, and long shall I remember
the noble Taranteens with pleasure."

" Admired you them enough to cast in your lot with them,"
said the Knight, with a smile, " I doubt not that you might
become a king over regions as extensive as those which owe alle
giance to the sceptre of our gracious monarch, Charles."

318 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" My admiration soars not to that height ; yet, to my ima
gination, is there something delightful in the condition of these
children of nature, thoughtful only of to-day, and careless of to
morrow, when compared with that of the painful delvers of
civilization. The former are birds flying freely in the air; the
latter, poultry scratching in a barn-yard."

Sir Christopher laughed good naturedly at the sally of his
friend. " Verily," he said, " were it not for thy mistress, I do
believe thou hadst remained amongst the Taranteens. Unfortu
nate for them is it that civilization has an ally in love. Were
this life all," he added, gravely, his whole manner changing,
" there were some reason in what yow say. It were wisdom, then,
to sport like insects in sunbeams — to sink at night into dreamless
sleep. But such is not man's destiny. What infinite concern
ments hang on the present moment ! How imperative and
urgent is our duty to wean these poor heathen from their wild
ways and false creed, that they may be rescued from the in
tolerable perdition that awaits all who are not of Holy
Church."

" It surely is a lamentable future for the poor creatures," said
the young man ; " and yet I suppose it must be so, because the
learned of all creeds, which call themselves Christian, do agree
therein. Ah, me ! poor Sassacus !"

" I opine," said the gentle Knight, " that the flames of hell
will be tempered to such poor wretches, in consideration of their
ignorance."

" It is horrible to think of," said Arundel, shuddering ; and, as
if desirous to change the subject, he inquired, " May I ask, with
out offence, after the country of Sassacus ?"

" Assuredly you may. It is some hundred miles to the south of
Boston — the principal villages of the Fequots being on a river of
the same name, and on a lesser stream called the Mystic, and
along the reverberating shores of the Atlantic. It is a pleasant

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 319

land of bright waters, and fair valleys, and towering hills, fit to
produce a race of hardy warriors."

" Hast thou visited it thyself?"

" Once, on a hunting expedition, did I wander thus far, and
partake of the hospitality of the Pequot Chief, who, in return,
was prevailed upon to visit my poor quarters."

" I wonder what induces the noble savage to linger so long
about Massachusetts Bay, after having made his visit to you, and
confess to some apprehensions on his account."

" Have no fear on that score," said the Knight, cheerfully.
" Sassacus is prudent as well as brave, and, as you saw on the
night when he was attacked by the Taranteens, has some of his
men with him ; besides, the Aberginians are at peace with his
tribe."

"It is only the ingenious malice of the Assistant Spikeman
that I dread."

" Be assured, also, on that head. He will not venture into
Boston during our absence, and will so carefully keep out of the
way as to allow no opportunity for violence."

How mistaken was the Knight, is already known ; but the
most consummate tact and profoundest wisdom are not able to
guard against every possible emergency.

With conversations of this kind did the two companions be
guile the way, on their journey homeward, which occupied some
what less time than it took to reach the Indian village. It was
early in the morning — that is to say, the sun had just risen —
when they stood on the edge of the clearing within which stood
the Knight's habitation. Here they were met by an Indian, who,
to Sir Christopher's inquiry if all was well, answered, senten-
tiously, " All well." On arriving at the house, they found the
soldier, Philip, who manifested his joy at seeing them again in a
manner contrasting somewhat with that of the phlegmatic
native.

320 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

After the demonstrations of welcome, Philip said, " I know
not, Sir Christopher, whether you have not got away from one
danger, only to fall into another. According to my thinking, a
man of any spirit may better trust himself with the salvages,
whom I find nice, reasonable people enough, who will not inter
fere with him if he will let them alone, than with the meddle
some, crop-eared knaves down on the Bay."

" Remember in whose presence you are speaking, Philip," said
the Knight, " and that it becomes not me to hear those whose
ambassador I am, evil spoken of."

" I crave pardon," said Philip ; " but, if all tales be true, they
deserve no such forbearance. It was out of no friendship, they
sent you to be murdered by them Taranteens, nor will they fire
a culverin at your return."

" Out with thy news, at once," cried the impatient Arundel,
" nor stand there hanging fire, like a musket when the priming is
wet. What hast to tell f '

" 111 news, Master Arundel, folk say can travel a mile, while
good is putting on his boots ; but you seem not to be contented
with its haste. Nay," added Philip, noticing that the Knight
began to show impatience, " an' you will have it. It is little less
than treason, I fear, they are charging against Sir Christopher.
It is a kind of Guy-Fawks plot they are accusing him of hatch
ing — that is to say, that he means to make himself king of both
colonies."

" Is that all, Philip," said the Knight, laughing. " By our
lady, I have heard worse stories about myself many a time, since
I lived in these woods."

" I tell thee. Sir Christopher," said the soldier, earnestly,
" this is no laughing matter. If I were in thy place, I would
either fall back on Sassacus and his tribe of Pequots, or gather
me forthwith a few hundred salvages, under arms, if you mean to
stand your ground. It is true, bows and arrows are beggarly

THE KNIGHT OP THE GOLDEN MELICE. 321

things against muskets, in a fight at arms-length, but at close
quarters, knives and tomahawks can do somewhat."

" But, good Philip," said the Knight, " thy words convey little
information. Canst not be more precise1?"

" All I know," said the soldier, " is, that they say the trouble
comes from certain letters which have just arrived from England,
charging you, Sir Christopher, with I know not what horrid
crimes. The person who told me was sure they were very bad ;
but what they were, knew, forsooth, no better than I."

" Perhaps the Lady Geraldine will be able to clear up the
mystery," said the Knight to Arundel. " Let us dismiss all
thought of it for the present. There will be time enough here
after to disquiet ourselves."

" And I will hie me presently," said Arundel, " to Boston, to
inform the Governor of your arrival, and to discover, if that be
possible, what means the nonsense that has taken possession of
Philip, unless Lady Geraldine can explain it, which will save me
the trouble. Is it your pleasure to accompany me, or remain
you later?"

" I have some trifling duties to attend to," answered Sir Chris
topher, " and shall remain. It will be enough for thee, with all
convenient dispatch, to inform him of the successful issue of our
mission."

They now entered the house together, and the Knight went
immediately to seek the lady. He was absent but a short time,
and, on his return, stated that the only information she had was
derived from the soldier. " She bade me say," he added, "that
her prayers have been earnest on thy behalf, and that she wel
comes thee again to thy friends."

The young man, (who, meanwhile, had been listening to a
communication from Philip,) as was meet, returned thanks, and
desired his dutiful service to be presented to the lady.
, Upon parting, Sir Christopher instructed him respecting his
message. 14

322 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Present to the Governor," he said, in conclusion, " my con
gratulations on the successful issue of our enterprise. Now may
the husbandman, fearless, sow his seed, and his wife and little
ones look with confidence for his return. Midnight treachery
and savage cruelty shall not be known, but each one expect with
a joyful heart the rising of the sun. But I counsel no attempt
at nearer approach. It is better that the English and the Tar-
anteens should avoid one another. Only therein is safety. Say
also that I purpose, after needful rest, to wait upon him to
morrow, to enjoy once more the charm of his gracious society,
and to possess him more fully of our deeds."

With these parting words, he waived adieu, and, turning,
sought the apartment of Lady Geraldine.

The door was opened, as before, by the little Indian girl, Nee-
bin, who, as soon as she had admitted the Knight, ran to the
side of the lady, and, falling on her knees, began with curious
eyes to examine a book which the lady held in her lap.

The Knight looked affectionately at the child, and, approaching
her, placed his hand upon the raven hair that fell low upon the
shoulders, and, caressing the bent head, said gently :

" Good little Neebin ! Has she learned all about the pretty
pictures ?"

The girl turned up to him her bright eyes, and, in better English
than that commonly used by the Indians, and even with a pro
nunciation that approached correctness, replied :

" No — Neebin knows very little now, but the lady says the
book will talk to her by and by."

It was one of those illuminated missals on which, for want of
other occupation, and sometimes with a feeling of superstitious
piety, the monks spent incredible pains, and often a capricious
and wonderful ingenuity, which the half-reclaimed little savage
was looking at. As if unable to satisfy her curiosity fast enough,
ehe turned the leaves over with childish impatience, uttering now

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 323

and then a cry of delight as she beheld the figure of a bird or of
a quadruped, while her eyes would sadden as they fell upon the
mournful face of the crucified Saviour, whose image was deline
ated in several parts of the book.

" She knows all her letters," said Sister Celestina, whose true
character as a Catholic and a nun the reader has long ago di
vined, " and I permit her, as a reward, to look at the missal
whenever she has been diligent."

" Your task is something like taming a young hawk," said
the Knight.

" Neebin is not a hawk !" exclaimed the child. " Hawks do
not wear clothes, nor yellow chains, nor can they say Pater noster
and A ve Maria"

11 No," said the lady ; " nor have they a soul to be saved, like
Neebin."

" What, is a soul ?" inquired the girl.

Tears dimmed the eyes of Sister Celestina at the question,
and, before she could reply, the Knight said:
• " Thou hast asked a question, Neebin, which puzzles wiser
heads ; but it is something which lives when the body becomes
dust."

" O, yes," said the child. " I have heard the lady (for so she
had been taught to call Sister Celestina) talk about it. How
does it look !"

"There thou askest a question beyond the boundaries of
knowledge. No one Jias returned from the grave to answer it,"
said the Knight.

" I know," said the child ; " my mother told me. It is Nee-
bin's soul which looks at her when she bends over a clear spring ;
it lives in the water."

"1 have tried," said the lady, " to impart the idea, but it seems
only to begin to dawn upon her inind. I trust, by Heaven's
grace, (crossing herself,) it will grow and bear fruit to the glory
of sweet Jesus's name."

324: THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" What magnificent results do flow from seemingly insignificant
causes!" said Sir Christopher. " A spark shall light a confla
gration of a mighty city ; an acorn shall bear an oak to waft
armies over oceans to conquest ; and the conversion of a child
to the true faith may change the destinies of nations. It may be
thy blessed lot, Celestina, to plant a seed which shall grow into
a tree, whose branches shall cover earth with grateful shade, and
reach to heaven. There was a time when, influenced by the
example of a king or queen, whose mind divine grace had illumi
nated, whole multitudes rushed to be laved in the saving waters
of baptism. Wherefore should not those days return ? Now
doth the suffering Church mourn like a pelican in the wilderness,
and though she gives her blood in streams from her torn bosom—
alas ! how flows that crimson river, as if in vain !"

" Not all in vain," said the lady. " Cheering accounts of
the progress of our missionaries in the Southern portions of this
vast continent reach us from time to time, and the prayers of the
Church are sanctifying the land from the flood of the Mississippi
to the forests of Canada. But tell me now, Sir Christopher, of
thine adventures."

The Knight looked significantly at the Indian girl.

" Neebin," said the lady, " take the book and examine it by
thyself. Sir Christopher and I desire to be alone. But beware
that thou show it to no one, for all are not privileged like thee
to see its beautiful pictures."

The child took the missal, but lingered, as if unwilling to de
part, and it was not until after a more decided repetition of the
command, that, with a pout, she left the room.

" Whom of the holy fathers saw you "?" inquired Sister Ce
lestina, after the door was shut.

" Only Father Le Yieux," answered Sir Christopher, " and
he charged me with a commission which I now discharge." So
saying, he took from his bosom the letter which the Jesuit mis
sionary had entrusted him with, and handed it to the lady.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 325

Sister Celestina took it, and, imprinting a kiss upon the
epistle which had come from the holy father's hand, laid it on
the table.

" Let my presence be no restraint," said the Knight. "I have
nought to say, which can be of equal importance with anything
that comes from Father Le Vieux."

" Thanks for your courtesy," said the lady ; and, taking up
the letter, she broke the wrapper wherein it was contained, and
which was fastened together by means of some unknown cement
or gum, and commenced its perusal.

Perhaps the Knight had some design in desiring her to open
it in his presence, for, during the whole time while she was en
gaged in reading, he watched her countenance, as if he expected
to see the contents of the letter there ; and though her training
had been as complete as his own, yet, by reason of her more
delicate organization, she was unable so to conceal her emotion
that it should be entirely unobserved. The faintest possible color
suffused her face as she proceeded, and when she raised her eyes
at the conclusion, they had in them a look which, though it
baffled the sagacity of her keen observer, betrayed a something
which he did not like. It was not triumph, nor despondency,
nor joy, nor grief, but, according to the fancy of Sir Christopher,
a strange mingling of them all. The two had been in the habit,
on their arrival in the country, and for some time thereafter, to
show to each other their letters — a custom from which the
Knight had never departed, but which, of late, had been observed
with less scrupulousness by the lady ; and he noticed now, that,
instead of handing the epistle to him, as formerly, she hid it in
her bosom. Something, indeed, she said about its being from her
confessor, but the explanation, though natural, did not satisfy.
He made no remark, however, but proceeded to give an account
of what had befallen him and his companion. He told her how,
by an arrangement with Mesandowit, (who had been sent by the

326 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN ME LICE.

Taranteens to inquire of him whether their second, viz., their
hostile embassy, would be in danger from the English, and which,
in consequence of Sir Christopher's assurances, had been ven
tured upon,) they had been taken prisoners — of the conversation
which passed between himself and Father Le Vieux, and of the
means resorted to, in order to remove Arundel from the Indian
village. The lady listened with a pleased ear to the recital, and,
at its conclusion, expressed her gratification at the dexterity with
which the business had been managed, and the success which
had crowned it.

" The holy saints and angels have watched over you, to guard
you in your ways," she said, " and it proves the Divine appro
bation."

" Truly, Celestina, is such a belief necessary, else would the
things I am called sometimes to do, break me down with their
oppressive weight. Only by its means can I satisfy myself, when
the commands of my superiors seem to conflict with mine honor."

" Honor ! exclaimed sister Celestina — "what is it but a delusive
phantom, whereby ye men are frighted from the noblest under
takings ? What right has such a consideration to interfere, when
you are called upon to act by them who are set over you, and
whom you are bound to obey ? It is a deadly sin to dream that
they may err, and granting that they do, on them and not on
you rests the responsibility."

" True ; yet speak not slightingly of a feeling which is ever
the parent of glorious deeds. Was it not inspired by honor, that
the Roman Regulus returned to certain torture and death ? that
the chivalrous King of Israel, when fainting with thirst, poured
out to the Lord the water for which his soul longed ? that gal
lant hearts innumerable have crimsoned the battle-field with
their heart's blood, rather than that even a suspicion should soil
their escutcheon ?"

<« Were a profane heretic, or an accursed Jew, or a misguided

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 327

heathen, to set these up to himself as ensamples, it might be ex
cused," said the sister, scornfully ; " but what has the soldier, who
has enlisted under the banner of the blessed St. Ignatius, to do
with imaginations alike fantastic and full of a sounding frenzy ?
"Was it for the glory of God that these men died, or because
they coveted the praise of the world, and gratified a ferocious in
stinct of their nature ?"

" I deny not the superior nobility of the principle of my order,"
returned the Knight, " inasmuch as it excludes selfishness, save
as it is of necessity, connected with the aspiration for salvation ;
still can I not be mistaken in the admiration of a sentiment
which lifts man above all baseness, and prompts him to achieve
exploits that shall send his name reverberating through the halls
of princes and the cabins of laborers, to be warbled by the lips
of beauty at the festival, or shouted in front of the charging host.
Yet, mistake me not, Celestina, but believe, that while my heart
loves not honor less, my understanding renders a deeper homage
to the principle of Ignatius. But whither hath my wandering
talk strayed f he added, checking himself. " I did desire, after
delivering thy letter, to say, that it is my purpose to follow hard
on the heels of Master Arundel, and also to caution thee to con
tinue to keep carefully concealed, during my absence, the sacred
crucifix, and whatever else might betray us to our enemies. For
give me that I give this advice, but I see that thou hast relaxed
thy watchfulness over the missal."

" The warning is unnecessary. Nightly is the blessed cross,
whereon the hands of his holiness have been laid, deposited with
my rnissal and rosary in our p.lace of concealment. And as for
Ncebin, fear not to trust her. She is as jealous of her treasure
as could be thou or T. But leave me not until you receive tidings
from the heretics. These ill-omened reports I like not. They
may, indeed, be idle, yet it is only prudence to wait."

" I care not for them, yet, to pleasure thee, would I do more.

328 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

I will remain, according to thy wish, and, meanwhile, to-night,
seek Sassacus, who soon returns to his distant tribe."

" Be it so, then," said the lady. " Neebin !" she called to the
Indian girl, who was in the adjoining apartment, and who, at
the summons, came running up ; " give me now the book, and I
will tell thee a story about one of the pictures."

The Knight understood this as a signal to withdraw, and ac
cordingly took his leave.

The lady, on his departure, instead of talking with the child,
returned her the missal with an excuse, and drawing the letter
of Father Le Vieux from her bosom, commenced reading it again.

u My judgment, then," she murmured, " is confirmed by
that of the holy father. Thus writes he : ' I fear, my daughter,
that the leaven hath not done its perfect oifice. There be many
called, but alas, how few are fit for the work ! In some things
hesitancy is a deadly sin. Let the faint-hearted step aside, that
more vigorous souls may take their place.' Whatever may be
the consequences," she continued to herself, " I feel cheered, in
that my course will be approved by the father. Thou knowest,
holy Mary, that it was through no ignoble motive, but only for
thy glory I did this thing, whereof, alas ! my poor woman's heart
more than half repented. Oh ! pity, that one endowed with so
many gracious qualities as Sir Christopher, should lack the iron
firmness which gives consistency and dignity to life, and that his
weakness compelled me to that which I would not, for the world,
his noble nature should suspect ! But since this letter from the
father, no doubt assails me. The course I have adopted I will
pursue, nor shall my constant soul falter. Sooner shall the needle
desert the beloved pole."

The face of the woman assumed an expression of indomitable
resolution. She looked like one incapable of a weakness — like
one who, mastered by an engrossing purpose, feels that all else is
trivial, and to be as little regarded as the dust which the travel
ler shakes from his soiled garment.

CHAPTER XXV.

He hears

On all sides, from innumerable tongues,
A dismal, universal hiss.

PARADISE LOST.

WHEN Arundel arrived at the little settlement, he proceeded
straightway to the hostelry, which was his usual stopping place,
and as he entered, was met by the landlord with those demonstra
tions of welcome, wherewith the publican is in the habit of greet
ing his customers.

" So you have got safe off from them bloody salvages, (praised
be the Lord for all his mercies)," said goodman Nettles. " And
you look browner, as though you'd caught some of their color from
being with them, but hearty as my tapster, Zachariah Sider, who
can begin with the head of an ox, and never stop till he wipes his
mouth with the tuft on the end of the tail, washing it down,
moreover, with a quantity of ale that ails me — ahem ! — (here
Nettles put his linger on the side of his nose, and grinned as
if he had really said a capital thing,) to see wasted on his lean
carcase. But, Master Arundel, you must be dry. There is some
of the old Canary left."

" Let me have a bottle, and, if agreeable to thee, we will empty
it together."

As the landlord left the room, Arundel, on looking round, dis
covered what he had not observed before, viz., our old friend,
Master Prout, in a sort of recess, formed by the projection of the

H«

330 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

chimney. The worthy functionary was engaged, at the moment,
in taking his eleven o'clock refreshment of a pot of beer, (a habit
from which his exile from the old country had not been able to
wean him,) but, at the approach of the young man, he rose, and
gravely shook hands with him. Miles had barely time to offer a
share of the wine, which, however, Master Prout refused, when
Nettles returned with a bottle.

" There," said he, setting it down, and looking affectionately
at it, " I warrant me you get no such soul of the grape among
the red heathen, though if they had any wit they might have pun
cheons of it, if they only knew how to make them, for they say
there is store of grape vines growing about."

" As for me," said Master Prout, after raising the tankard to
his lips, and taking a draught, long and deep, " I'm a genuine En
glishman in my taste. Give me, say I, your humming beer, with
a body to it, in place of all the wishy-washy wines of the French
man or the Spaniard. They only pucker one's mouth, and heat
one's blood ; but there is neither bread nor cheese in them, as in
good John Barleycorn."

" The ale deserves all your praise, Master Prout," said the
host, " though I say it myself; nevertheless, is the good wine not
to be despi led. I know no reason why a true born Englishman
may not like both."

" It may be well for thee, whose business is to get thy living
from their sale, to talk Ihus," replied Master Prout; " but for all
that, I relish not these foreign decoctions — your Canaries, your
Sherries, and your Portos. Their very names have a smack of
popery in them. Down with the Pope, and all his inventions to
tickle men's palates and damn their souls."

" And so say I, down with the Pope, but up with good wine,
and down with it too, so it only runs in the right place ; but it
grieves me to hear you, good Master Prout, evening down good
wine to the Pope— why — "

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 331

" Contradict me not, goodman Nettles," interrupted the guar
dian of public morals. " I say that I have ever remarked
the man who prefers wine to ale, to be of an unsteady faith. It
savors of a hankering after the flesh-pots of Egypt. Let not
such a man be trusted."

As the constable was speaking, Arundel could not help fancy'
ing that he looked hard at him, as if some personal application of
the words were intended. He took no notice, however, of them,
especially as mine host immediately rejoined :

" Dear, good Master Prout, speak not so. Why, if my cus
tomers were to hear you, the character of my house might be
ruinated. Whoever heard before that the Pope had ever any
thing to do with wine? I do not believe he drinks it at all."

" Art thou a Christian man, and so ignorant of the things that
pertain to salvation ? Tells us not the Book of Revelations of
the merchandise of the great city of Babylon, when it shall fall —
cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine ;
and sayest thou the Pope hath no part thereof?"

" An' you are for Scripture," answered mine host, " have at
thee with a text in return ? Saith not the Scripture, also, He
giveth wine to gladden man's heart *? Moreover, though there be
wine at Rome, it doth not follow, therefrom, that it is drunk by
the Pope."

u Contradict me not, I say, goodman, and pervert not the
Scriptures with thy famulistical interpretations. I observed you
spoke but a moment ago of the soul of the grape, as if it were
possible that a divine principle could lodge therein. I cau
tion thee against this, as a profane and indecent form of speech,
unbecoming in one of the congregation ; and, besides, an' thou
wouldst retain my custom, take heed thou put more malt into
thy ale."

" It is strong enough to answer thy purpose," muttered the
offended landlord, but in so low a tone as to be unheard ; and,

332 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

as new customers began to come in, he left, in order to assist, in
manipulations of the bottle and spigot, his tapster, Zachariah
Sider, whom his late flourishing fortune had enabled him to add to
the establishment.

" Has anything worthy of note occurred, during my absence of
three weeks ?" inquired Arundel of Master Prout.

" How were it possible otherwise ?" replied the constable,
whom the colloquy with the host seemed not to have left in the
best of humors. " Here hath been Increase Faith Higginson
twice coopered up in a barrel, once for drunkenness, and a second
time on suspicion thereof ; Jonathan Makepiece hath lain in the
stocks for quarreling with, and using contumacious language to
ward David Battle ; Susannah Silence hath sat tied in a chair,
before her door, writh a cleft stick upon her tongue, for being too
free in the use of that member ; divers godly persons have con
nected themselves with the congregation, and two unworthy
Achans beendriven therefrom — the one for incontinence, until
he repent thereof, and the other for denying the just power of
the elders."

Arundel could not forbear smiling at this odd enumeration of
important events, which his informant observing, and construing
into disrespect, immediately added :

" Have a care, Master Miles Arundel, unto thyself. I wish
thee well, for thou art a proper young man, and, did the inner
garnishing correspond with the outer adornment, thou wert in
deed a comely vessel of grace ; and, therefore, say I unto thee,
there be other matters touching thee more nearly than those
things whereof I have spoken, and whereat, I know not where
fore, it pleased thee to smile."

" I pray you to pardon my involuntary offence," said the young
man, "and to believe that my smiling betokened no disrespect.
My mirth was awakened by the comical pictures which thine
i genious answer conjured before the imagination."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 333

" I trow," said Master Prout, " they who come under the dis
pleasure of our magistrates, will find their punishments no such
comical matters. There be such things as whippings and nose-
slittings, as well as sittings in the stocks, and the like."

" I know," answered Arundel, " that your magistrates are no
lambs. Yet of thy complaisance, tell me wherein I am inter
ested in aught that has befallen in my absence."

" This Sir Christopher Gardiner, the man who is sometimes
called * The Knight of the Golden Melice,' is a great friend of
thine, is be not ?" asked Master Prout.

" I account it an honor to call him my friend. A worthier or
more honorable gentleman lives not in the colony."

" There be different opinions on that head, my young master.
The closer thy friendship, the worse, I fear, it will be for
thee."

" Speak out, Master Prout," exclaimed Arundel, losing pa
tience. " If thou knowest any talk prejudicial to the fair fame
of the Sir Christopher, let me know it, that the calumniator may
be dragged to light, and receive deserved punishment."

" It would take a long arm to reach his accusers, seeing they
are on the other side of the ocean. Hark ye, young sir — it is in
every one's mouth that thy famous Knight is an agent of Sir Fer-
dinando Gorges, who makes unrighteous claim to the lands
granted us by his Majesty King Charles, and, moreover, thou
art connected with him, in men's minds, as in some sort an ac
complice."

" Is that all 1" said the young man, scornfully. " I judge
from thy speech that these lies come in letters from England.
Pray, are they credited by any one, save by them of the baser
sort ?"

" Callest thou me one of the baser sort If Wilt thou revile
them who are set in authority over thee ? Have a care, my
young cockeril, or thy own comb may chance to be cut."

834 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Out with thee, malapert knave," said the young man, in his
vexation, "and know to respect thy betters. Truly, the world
is come to a pretty pass, when a fowl like thee is permitted to
ruffle his feathers at a gentleman."

" An' he were not in some sort an ambassador, whom I have
heard it is unlawful for a constable to touch," growled Master
Prout to himself, as Arundel angrily turned his back upon him, "I
had taught him incontinently, better than to speak to me in this
fashion. As it is, I will advise with Master Spikeman about this
matter." So saying, with a flushed brow, the irate officer of the
law departed.

" What means this, Colonel McMahon?" demanded Arundel.
" Here have I been a bare three weeks away, on business of the
commonwealth, and on my return I find myself rewarded with
sour looks and unpleasant speeches, sans any consciousness of
deserving them. I cannot ask a plain question, without being
answered in riddles that would have crazed the brain of
GEdipus."

The person addressed, a grave man, of middle age, and the
same who had had the words with Endicott about the cutting out
of the cross, took the questioner aside, and, as'soon as they were
out of hearing, answered :

&; "Truly am I afraid that I shall also be involved in thy con
demnation of those who return answers after the manner of the
sphynx ; but, to be short, there have two ships lately arrived
from England, bringing, it is said, unpleasant tidings touching
Sir Christopher Gardiner."

" What be these tidings I" inquired Arundel, noticing that the
speaker hesitated.

" I neither am, nor desire to be, in the confidence of the gov
ernment," answered Colonel McMahon. haughtily, the wounds
inflicted on whose loyalty by the mutilation 01 the standard,
were not yet healed ; " and the information I have is derived

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 335

from a private source and uncertain rumor. For the former, the
Knight is pointed at as an agent of Sir Ferdinando Gorges ; for
the latter, it becomes me not to heed the idle chatter of the
vulgar."

" Comports it with your sense of propriety to reveal more ?"
asked Arundel.

"Were I never so desirous," said the Colonel, courteously, "I
should be unable. In fact, what I have told is the sum of my
knowledge. I could, indeed, indulge in surmises based on rumor,
but that were too much like the gossiping of old women, and both
unbecoming in me to speak and in you to hear, more especially as
that rumor attaints in other respects the fair fame of your friend.
It is different with the base-born scullions around us, who are
licensed to utter whatever their unruly imaginations may con
ceive ; but a gentleman will not allow epithets upon his tongue
to the disparagement of another, which, after all, may be false."

Having thus spoken, the Colonel raised his steeple-crowned
hat in a formal manner, slightly bending his body, and walked
up to the landlord, to whom he paid his score, and then left the
apartment.

u I will endure this no longer," said Arundel to himself, put
ting on his own hat. " I will seek the Governor immediately,
and demand from him its explanation."

Upon arriving at the house of Winthrop, he learned, with a
feeling of disappointment, that the Governor was absent on a
visit at Plymouth, and he turned reluctantly away, in order to
communicate to the rough Dudley, instead of the polished chief
magistrate, the result of the mission, and to obtain that informa
tion which would enable him to give shape to the chaotic ru
mors.

He was received with neither cordiality nor incivility by the
Deputy Governor, to whom the young man communicated
the success of the conciliatory efforts of Sir Christopher with

836 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the Taranteens, and at the same time delivered the Knight's mes
sage. His auditor listened in grim silence, interrupting him
by no inquiry, nor did he, when the communication was finished,
vouchsafe a word of thanks for the service rendered. Dudley
had been a soldier in his youth, having received a captain's com
mission from Queen Elizabeth, and commanded a company of
volunteers under the chivalrous Henry Fourth of France, at the
siege of Amiens, in 1597 ; and, if he had not the quality of
frankness by nature, had acquired an appearance of it in the
camp, together with a military decision and roughness of manner.
It was not his wont to disguise his feelings, and on the present
occasion they were obvious, even before he opened his lips to
speak. When Arundel had concluded, he waited for the com
ments of the Deputy, nor had he to wait long. First, however,
Dudley inquired,

"Is there nothing more thou wouldst communicate?"

" If there be any thing of importance or of public concern
omitted, it is done unwittingly," said Arundel.
p£ " Then is thy news most jejune and unsatisfactory, seeing that
our condition is neither war nor peace, but a sort of armed truce,
liable to be broken at any moment by these treacherous savages.
I am not to be deceived by the promise, that, for the present, we
need fear no hostilities. I know their craft. If they refuse
formally to make peace, they are preparing for war. Well, they
may try their hand. But I am disappointed in the opinion I
had of the extent of the influence, by some means acquired, over
the Indians by this Sir Christopher Gardiner, if he indeed have
authority to bear the title."

" Who dares to say," exclaimed Arundel, whose irritation this
fresh taunt increased, "that Sir Christopher assumes a title which
belongs not to him, or to asperse in any respeJbt bis character?"

" It will come to- light," said Dudley, " in its* own time ; but
tell me now, wfierefore made not the Knight, as you choose to

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 337

call him, his appearance himself? Methinks such proceeding
were more respectful to the authority which commissioned
him."

The brow of the young man flushed at the rude speech, and it
was with difficulty that he restrained his feelings ; but he suc
ceeded so far as to reply with an appearance of tolerable calm
ness, that it was only that morning they had returned, and that
the Knight purposed to present himself on the morrow, being de
tained for the present by reasons which doubtless ought to be
satisfactory.

"It were strange," said the surly Dudley, "if his private af
fairs should be of more importance than the interests of our
Commonwealth ; and yet it seems that the former do, in his esti
mation, outweigh the latter."

" I pray of your goodness to pardon the fault," said Arundel,
who was determined that nothing should provoke his anger again
that day. " Sure am I that, had the Knight of the Golden Melice
known the importance attached to his presence, he had come
forthwith, without stopping for rest, or to change his soiled gar
ments, instead of sending me, his- unfortunate and most unworthy
substitute."

"I like not this fantastic title," said Dudley, whose ill-humor
seemed not at all soothed by the gentle language of the young
man, but rather to increase. " I like it not, whether it be an
idle appendage stuck on by the humorous learning of Winthrop,
as I have heard, or a quaint conceit springing out of the man's
own vanity. I deny not honor and dignity, where they right
fully belong, but what is to become of the realities, if the shams
receive an equal consideration ?"

" I wander like a man in a mist, who sees not a foot before
him," said Arundel. " I have entreated your Worship to deal
more plainly with me, but it has been your pleasure to seem as
if you heard me not ; and, for the report which, in the discharge

338 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

of my duty, I have made, I have received only innuendos against
the fair fame of my friend, and which do, in some sense, alight
upon myself. From whatever quarter they may proceed, I scorn
and defy them, and brand them as false ; and, I doubt not, the
appearance of Sir Christopher will force his detractors to disap
pear, even like so many whipped curs."

Arundel spoke with a feeling of anger, notwithstanding his
resolution to keep command over himself, and rose to take his
leave. The spirit which he had shown in his last speech, so far
from displeasing the Deputy, had a contrary effect ; for, rising
himself, Dudley grasped his visitor's hand, and dismissed him
with less frigidity than he had received him. Something also he
said, as if in excuse of his conduct, about the necessity of caution,
amounting sometimes to unreasonable suspicions on the part of
the rulers of a weak colony, depending more upon the wisdom
of its counsels than upon force for its existence, intimating at
the same time, that if any suspicions were attached to the young
man, it was doubtless more in consequence of his accidental con
nection with Sir Christopher, than because he deserved tfiem.

It is natural that Arundel, after his long absence, and the un
pleasant events of the day, should desire to derive some consola
tion from the society of his mistress. We are not surprised,
therefore, to find him taking his way toward the house of the
Assistant Spikeman, in the hope of receiving some signal which
would permit him to enter. Nor was he disappointed — Pru
dence, with a light kerchief thrown, over her head, being just
stepping out of the door on an errand to some neighbor as he
came up. The girl gave a pretty start as she beheld Arundel,
partly natural and partly affected, and then beckoned to him to
enter.

" O ! how you frighted me !" she said, after she had carefully
closed the door. '.' You have sent all the blood into my heart ;
and it flutters so !"

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 839

"I will bring it back again into thy cheeks, where it shows so
prettily," replied Arundel, saluting her.

" Fie ! Master Miles," exclaimed Prudence, but not looking at
all displeased. " It is well Master Prout sees thee not. Well,
what do you want? I suppose you came to see me 1"

" I have seen thee, pretty Prudence, and am so unreasonable
as to desire also to be shown to thy mistress. She is well 1"

" I humbly thank your Worship," said the girl, curtseying
awkwardly, and snuffling thro ugh her nose in a manner intended
to ridicule the grave Puritans, " worthy Dame Spikeman is
well in body, albeit ill in spirit, being afflicted with a grievous
visitation called a husband."

" Come, come, you mad-cap girl," said the young man, laugh
ing at the caricature, " pervert not my meaning, but show me
the way to Mistress Eveline. If thou wilt, 1 promise thee a
husband for thyself in good time." *

" From plague, pestilence, famine, and husbands, (I did ever
think the litany deficient,) good Lord deliver us," exclaimed Pru
dence, holding up her hands. "Do I look, forsooth, like one in
need of a husband, or likely to assist my young mistress there
with ? She deserves better at my hands. I see, besides, Master
Miles, that you are ignorant of the law in this blessed country,
which forbids young men to woo maidens. I know all about it,
for I had it from the lips of a venerable Assistant. Shall I re
hearse it to you?"

" Why, what has got into the girl ?" said Arundel, tired of
this foolery. " I prithee no more, sweet Prudence, but conduct
me at once to Eveline. Consider how long it is since I saw
her."

" Nay, an' you come to calling me sweet, there is no resisting
you. I do love sweet things, and it is pleasant to be called sweet
by some persons. I will delay you no longer," she added, re
suming her natural manner, " since Mistress Eveline must by
this time have made up her toilette. So, please you, follow me.' '

840 THE KNIGHT OP THE GOLDEN MELICE.

So saying, she tripped forward, and ushered Arundel into a
room, where we have already seen him, and retired. Almost in
stantly, the beautiful Eveline came in with a smile upon her lips
and a blush on her cheeks, for from her room, the door of
which was open in that warm season, she had overheard the
whole conversation, as indeed Prudence had intended she should.

" A strange way, Miles," she said, biting her red lips to re
strain a laugh, " to show the devotedness of your affection to the
mistress by kissing the maid. Is it a fashion taught thee by the
savages ?"

Arundel, notwithstanding the words of Eveline, could not dis
cover much severity either in the tones of her voice or the
glances of her eyes, for those were days when scarcely so great a
delicacy of manners prevailed as in the present; and, catching
her to his bosom, he found little difficulty in obtaining pardon
for his fault.

" Ah, you know, Miles," said Eveline, withdrawing herself
from his embrace, " that a maiden who scolds her lover has more
than half forgiven him already."

It is unnecessary to dwell upon the particulars of a meeting,
which, even without experience of like scenes, the imagination will
suggest, and which, lacking the spice of personal interest, might
appear tame, even to those whose recollection of early emotions
still has power to send the blood with a livelier glow through the
heart. From his conversation with Eveline, the apprehensions
in regard to Sir Christopher, which began to invade the mind of
Arundel, were increased, although his fears were of an indefinite
character. Without being able to determine exactly what were
the accusations against the Knight, of one thing at least he be
came certain — that they were commonly considered of too serious
a nature to be passed by in silence ; that any services would
hardly screen him from censure or punishment of some sort, if
they were proved ; and that Spikeman was exerting his malig
nity against him to an extraordinary degree.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 341

Upon leaving Eveline, Arundel meditated on the conduct he
ought to adopt, whether to remain and await the arrival of
Sir Christopher on the next day, as he originally intended, or
to return and inform him of what he had learned. That some ca
lamity threatened his friend, was plain. "What it was, was not so
evident. The only cause of complaint against him he could dis
cern, was a supposed connection with Sir Ferdinando Gorges.
On this point he knew that Winthrop and his council were ex
tremely sensitive, warmly resenting the claim which that gentle
man made, and was trying to prosecute in England, adverse to
their patent, which he declared was void, and determined to
punish whoever should assert the title of Sir Ferdinando as su
perior to their own, or should in any respect countenance or abet
him in his schemes. As for other intimations, Arundel consid
ered them as only additions, which stories, like rolling snow
balls, naturally receive in their progress, and which, in the present
instance, deserved even less credit than usual, on account of their
vagueness and improbability. What motive could there be, for
example, to induce Sir Christopher to arrogate a title which did
not belong to him, when there was every chance of detection,
and no important advantage to be gained ? He had never no
ticed in the Knight any assumption of superiority, but, on the
contrary, rather a careless cordiality, amounting almost to bon-
hommie. Everything which he had seen about his friend forbade
the supposition. From the baselessness of this, he inferred the
falsity of all other charges, whatever they might be ; and yet,
notwithstanding his conviction of the innocence of his friend,
it appeared to him that information of the disposition of
Dudley ought to be made known to Sir Christopher, in order to
enable him to decide for himself upon the steps necessary to be
taken, before he should be assailed unawares. Having arrived
at this conclusion, Arundel lost no time in hurrying off to the
residence of the Knight.

CHAPTER XXVI.

" Ah ! home let him speed, for the spoiler is nigh !
"Why flaraes the far summit ? Why shoot to the blast
Those embers, like stars from the firmanent cast ?"

CAMPBIU'S " Lochiel."

As ARUNDEL left the hostelry, whither he had returned after
his snap-chance, he observed the figure of a man, whom he had
seen several times during the day, standing at a distance in the
street. Unless his suspicions had been excited, he would proba-
bably have paid no attention to the circumstance ; but, in the
present condition of his mind, he could not avoid connecting the
man's frequent appearance with himself. It seemed, indeed, as
if his motions were watched, though why, he knew not. In or
der to satisfy himself whether it were so, he stopped when he
reached the edge of the forest, and, concealing himself, waited
for the purpose of ascertaining whether he were followed ; but,
after remaining some time without seeing any person, he con
cluded that he must be mistaken, and more leisurely resumed his
walk.

The day had been one of exceeding warmth, which circum
stance, in connection with the excitement he had passed through,
produced an exhaustion that indisposed the young man to exer
tion. In consequence of this, it was at a slow pace he pro
ceeded, imagining any haste unnecessary, and esteeming it a
matter of indifference at what hour he reached his destination.

344 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

Hence it happened that the evening was]considerably advanced
before he had passed over half the distance which he had to go.
He had advanced as far as the spot where he encountered the
panther, and was thinking of his peril then, and of Sassacus,
when he suddenly found himself surrounded by a number of
armed men, one of whom demanded his piece. Arundel instantly
recognised in the man who spoke, and appeared to be the leader,
the Assistant Spikeman ; and, suspecting mischief wherever he
was conterned, and indignant at being stopped, refused to deliver
up the gun. The refusal jWas useless, for it was forthwith
wrested violently from his hands, after a struggle, in which he
gave and received some unimportant hurts.

"What means this outrage, Master Spikeman," demanded
Arundel, "on one in the king's peace, and quietly about his own
business1?"

" We desire your company," replied Spikeman. " It is out of
our abundant affection 'therefor that we have been so bold, and
in consideration of the motive, we pray you to pardon the
offence."

" This is insulting one who is unable to defend himself," an
swered the young man ; " but be sure, Master Spikeman, that
for this, and other like favors, a day of bitter reckoning will
come."

" Spare thy threats, beardless boy," said the Assistant, " and
know that what I do is not without warrant. Thy wisdom con
sists in submission, for thou seest we have a force thou art una
ble to resist. But I may not waste further words. Place the
prisoner in the middle; watch him closely; treat him well, if
submissive ; but should he attempt escape, shoot him down.
Forward !"

After these orders, the men started on, taking Arundel with
them, who entertained no purpose^of flight, even though a favor
able opportunity should present itself.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 845

If he had doubted at first whither the party were directing
their steps, the doubt was soon dissipated, and he became sure
that it was to the habitation of Sir Christopher. Meanwhile,
he had been turning over in his mind his observations through
the day, and became satisfied that he had been watched, and
that the band by which he had been captured was sent after
him, and, by taking a course somewhat different from his
own, and hastening their speed, had succeeded in throwing
themselves in front, so as to cut him off from the Knight's
house, whither they rightly judged he was going. The determi
nation was obvious, he thought, that, for the present, there
should be no communication between Sir Christopher and
himself.

Rapidly and in silence the party pushed on, until they came
to the small clearing surrounding the Knight's house. Here
they halted, and Spikeman placed his men around the open
space so as completely to surround it, with orders for half 01
their number to advance simultaneously toward the centre, while
the others remained in the shadow of the wood. The manoeuvre
was so skilfully executed, that it was impossible for any one
within the house to escape — the men composing the circle, meet
ing at the same moment at the centre.

The deep silence of the night was first interrupted by the
noise the Assistant made on the door with the handle of his
dagger.

" Who is there ?" inquired the drowsy voice of one as if just
awakened.

" A person demanding admission," answered Spikeman.

" I know that, else would you not be knocking. Very well ;
abide a moment till I don some clothing and I will open, when
we will become better acquainted."

Accordingly, in a few moments the door was opened, and
Spikeman, with half a dozen men, rushed into the house, leaving

15

346 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDKN MELICE.

the others to guard the exterior. Philip Joy (for it was he)
was instantly seized, and ordered to tell where the Knight was to
be found.

" It is easier to ask questions than to get answers," said Philip.
«* For me, I never could speak plain till I had been awake a half
hour or so."

" Sirrah !" cried Spikeman, sternly ; " trifle not, or I will have
thee scourged within sight of the gates of death. Answer — where
is Sir Christopher Gardiner ?"

" An' I knew I would not tell thee," replied Philip. " Make
no ugly faces at me, Master Spikeman, for it is of no use. Look
for yourself, an' you like."

" He cannot avoid us, if he be in the house," said Spikeman,
turning away. " Here, Ephraim," he added, addressing one of
the men ; " come thou with me. We will waste no more words
with this fellow, but see whither this door leads."

" Stop !" exclaimed Philip ; " it is the passage to the chamber
of the Lady Geraldine."

' "Forward! Ephraim," cried Spikeman; "we cannot be de
layed in this way. Heed not his clamor."

By the light of the tallow candles, which they had brought
with them, the two proceeded, in spite of the remonstrances of
the soldier. The door admitting into the larger apartment of the
lady, and into which we were introduced at our first acquaint
ance with her, was open, but the inner door to her own private
chamber was barred. A slight rustling was heard within, as
they listened, as of one putting on clothing.

" We have tracked the fox to his den," whispered Spikeman.
" Open instantly," he added, aloud, " or we will burst in the
door."

" Who are ye," inquired a woman's voice, " who, in the dead
of night, assail the rest of innocent folk ?"

" Open at once," cried Spikeman, impatiently, " or we will
tear down the houie."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 847

" I will not open," said the voice. " That were to assist you
in your lawless proceedings. I may be murdered, but will lend
no aid to my murderers."

•' Silly woman," said the Assistant, who felt unwilling to re
sort to violence with a woman, believing that his prey was per
fectly secure within — " silly woman, we are no murderers. I
require thee, by authority of the Commonwealth, to unbar the
door."

" Ye cannot be officers of the State," answered the woman?
" else would ye not proceed thus rudely. Ye are robbers and
assassins."

" We must not stand here trifling," said Spikeman. " Throw
thyself against the door, Ephraim, and burst it in, since we are
resisted."

His companion, accordingly, endeavored, by flinging the whole
weight of his person against the barrier, wherein he was assisted
by his superior, to break it down ; but in vain, the stout planks
defeating all their efforts.

" Bring an axe, quickly !" cried Spikeman. " We will try the
virtue of steel blows."

Under the repeated strokes of the axe, wielded by brawny
arms, the strong door presently fell with a crash into the room,
and stepping over its fragments, the assailants stood in the pre
sence of the occupants. By a taper, which was burning on a
small table, the apartment was sufficiently lighted to make all
objects visible, though indistinctly.

The dimensions of the room could not exceed a square of
twelve feet. The sides, which rose to a height of perhaps eight
feet, were hung all around with a black cloth, and overhead the
same covering was extended. The furniture consisted of only a
chair or two, and of the table above mentioned, In the centre
stood the tall form of sister Celestina, clothed in garments as
black as the drapery which surrounded her, and holding by the

848 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

hand, the little Indian girl Neebin. Without stopping to notice
them, Spikeman and Ephraim immediately commenced searching,
with drawn rapiers, behind the hangings. The cloth, on being
withdrawn, exposed to view nothing but unhewn logs, and a
recess of a few feet, containing a rude couch. During the search,
which was soon completed, the lady remained standing, with the
little girl by. her side, viewing the proceedings in silence, and
with an air of offended dignity.

"What seek ye?" she demanded, when, with looks of disap
pointment, the men desisted. " Tell me, that I may render you
that assistance whereof ye seem to stand in need."

" Madam," answered Spikeman, " where is Sir Christopher
Gardiner ? It is him we seek."

" And is it in my sleeping apartment, audacious wretch, that
you expect to find him ?" exclaimed the lady. " Your question
is a greater insult than your violence."

" Madam," replied the Assistant, " it behooves you to be
careful of your language. Ephraim," he added, turning to his
companion, " do thou inquire without, whether the Knight be
taken. He may have leaped from the window."

Upon Ephraim's departure, Spikeman again addressed the
lady.

" Madam," he said, " I know that the work wherein I am
engaged is ungracious. Sad is the necessity which compels me
to invade the retirement of a lady whom I hold in all honor and
respect, and who has it in her power to make our whole Com
monwealth her grateful debtors."

" Speak quickly, sir," said the lady, " that I may the sooner
be rid of your intrusive presence."

" You know me not, madam, nor my kind intentions, else
would you not indulge this scorn."

" If to break open the house of a defenceless woman at mid
night, to batter down the door of her chamber, to intrude therein,

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 349

and to insult her, besides, with base suspicions, be your kindness,
what must be your cruelty ?"

" Necessity, madam — necessity must be our excuse. We will
have Sir Christopher Gardiner, dead or alive. Judge by the im
portance which we attach to his capture, how great will be our
gratitude, and the reward of him who shall enable us to lay
hands on the traitor."

" He is no traitor, base slanderer. Thou hadst never dared
to utter these injurious words in his presence."

" I would he were in presence," said Spikeman, sternly, " and
you would soon be convinced of the contrary. But more plainly,
madam. Let me entreat you, for your own sake, to disclose the
hiding-place of this man, and to deliver to me his papers, for only
by so doing can you escape severe and dreadful punishment."

A deeper pallor overspread the pale face of the lady, but re
covering herself she said —

" If I understand thee aright, thou dost seek to make me an
accomplice of thy crime."

" It is no crime, but an acceptable deed, to deliver a criminal
to justice, to suffer for his deserts. On such conditions, and on
such only, can I promise immunity for thyself."

"Justice ! I trust not the justice of a State, where such as
thou bear rule. Ye know not the meaning of the word. Sacred
heaven ! what would you have me do ? Betray into your toils
an innocent man, that I may avoid, I know not what consequen
ces ! Infamous tempter, I spurn thee ! And know, that were I
capable of such inexpressible shame, I could not commit it. I
know not where is Sir Christopher."

But, evidently, Spikeman placed no confidence in the denial.
He strode across the room, as though reflecting on some subject,
and then stepping up to the lady, bent over, and whispered some
inaudible words into her ear.

" It is false. Holy Virgin !" she exclaimed, forgetting herself

850 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

in the excitement of feeling, " must I bear this ? Leave me !
leave me ! Rid me of your hateful presence ! The room is full
of horrid shapes since you came in."

" Ha ! madam," cried Spikeman, " you have betrayed your
self, I have your secret, and will find means to force you to
speak the truth, ere I am quit of you," and scowling malignantly,
he left the apartment.

The excitement which had hitherto sustained the lady, seemed
now to desert her, and she sunk upon a seat. Sobs broke from
her bosom, and tears, which she vainly tried to restrain, streamed
down her cheeks.

" O, holy Virgin," she murmured — " immaculate lady, whose
heart was pierced with so many sorrows, help me to bear my
own. This is the sorest trial of all. Without thy preventing
grace, divine Mary, I shall sink under it. Intercede with thy
dear son for me."

The little Indian girl, who, during the whole time while Spike
man remained, had stood by the lady's side, showing no appre
hension whatever, but listening attentively to every word, and
following each motion with her keen eyes, now kneeled down by
the lady, and looking into her face, said —

" Do not cry, lady. Owanux have not found the book with
the pretty pictures, nor the man with the sweet face, with his
eyes shut, and his head falling on one side, upon his shoulder,
who makes Neebin feel like crying when she looks at him ; and
Sir Christopher is gone away, so that they cannot catch him."

" Dear Neebin," said the lady, " thine are timely words of
consolation. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings," she
added, looking up, " dost thou ordain strength. I will be grate
ful for these mercies, nor allow a weakness to overcome me
again."

The lady now, with more care, adjusted her garments, which,
when wakened by the noise made at the entrance of the band

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN ME LICE. 851

into the house, she had hastily thrown on, and smoothed down
the hair that, without a curl, lay on her temples. She paid the
same attention to Neebin, and then, crossing her hands, sat down
to await what should follow.

" Has any thing been heard or seen of him whom we seek ?"
demanded Spikeman of a soldier, as he entered the room wherein
he had left Joy.

" Nothing, so please you," answered the man ; " and Philip
here says that our search will be bootless, for that he is not in
the house."

" A fine soldier thou, and a shrewd," said Spikeman, contempt
uously, " tj trust what a prisoner may say ! Call me Lieutenant
Venn."

The soldier went out, and presently returned with the lieuten
ant.

" Hast thou discovered nothing on thy watch on the outside ?"
inquired Spikeman.

" We invested the building so closely," answered Venn, " that
had a mouse attempted to run away, we had seen and captured
it ; but no sound has broken the silence, nor aught met our
sight" .

" Has the whole interior been thoroughly searched1?"

" But short time does it require to unshell the kernel of a nut
like this," returned the officer, looking round ; " and Cowlson re
ports to me that everything in it, save in the woman's quarters,
(which his modesty did not permit him to search,) is as well known
to him as the contents of his own cabin."

" I fear that the principal object of our undertaking is de
feated," said Spikeman, with a look of disappointment.

" Yea," said the officer, " the prey hath escaped even as a
bird from the snare. What is to be done now, seeing that Sir
Christopher is not to be found ?"

Spikeman did not hesitate, for he had been considering the

852 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

course to be adopted in the contingency, and he therefore
promptly answered —

" We have not entirely failed. We have at least the woman,
and important information may be obtained from her. The hope
of working her deliverance, or of making terms with us on her
account, may also induce the Knight to put himself in our
power."

" I like not," said Venn, " a foray, whose achievement is the
making prisoners of Miles Arundel, of honest Philip, and of a
sorrowful-looking woman. Meseems it redounds but little to the
credit of a file of twenty men."

"I understand not," continued Spikeman, as though there-
mark failed to reach him, " by what means the man was apprised
of our design. Or it may be, that, by mere chance, he is absent ;
for some evil purpose, doubtless. It will, however, avail him
nothing, for sooner or later he must fall into our net. I have
lingered in the hope that he might return and be caught by the
men on the margin of the wood — a hope I give not up yet, and,
therefore, perhaps it were better to wait awhile."

"I pray you, sir," said Lieutenant Venn, " to do me a pleasure
in one thing. Delay not our departure until it be so late that
the sun is risen when we enter Boston. I confess to some shame
on account of this night's work, and desire that what was begun
in darkness may be ended in like manner."

" What fanciful follies be these ?" said Spikeman. " Art thou
degraded by any service which promotes the interests of the
Commonwealth ?"

" Nevertheless, be it a fanciful folly or grave wisdom, I will
take the liberty to iterate the request, and will hold myself in
debted if it be granted."

"Surely," said Spikeman, "it is a light thing, and because
you wish it, it shall be done. Call in the men from the margin
of the clearing, and we will begin preparations for return."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN FELICE. 353

Let no surprise be felt at the character of the conversation
betwixt the superior and inferior officer, and at the influence
exercised by. the latter over the former. The men under the com
mand of the Assistant for the occasion were not regular soldiers
but ordinary citizens ; liable, it is true, to be called out at any
moment to do military duty whenever an exigency arose, but
without bein? subject to any very strict discipline. The most of
them were voters, and hence a source of power, and therefore to
be courted by any one ambitious of political distinction. Such
an one was the Assistant, and he stood in about the same rela
tion to his men that a modern militia captain, who is desirous of
civil office, does to his company of soldiers, and who, through fear
of giving offence and so losing the object of his aspirations, is
obliged to relax the strictness of military rule."

On receiving the order, Lieutenant Venn started off to execute it,
and, as soon as he was gone, Spikeman took Ephraim Pike aside.

"Ephraim," he said, " the badger may lie hid in some cunning
place of concealment in the house, and after all laugh at our
simplicity at our departure without him."

" That can hardly be," said Pike. " The house has been thor
oughly searched, and I would pledge my life the Knight is not in
it."

" Verily thou mayest be right, yet is there a possibility of mis
take. Ephraim, with our hands on the .plough, we will not look
back. We must burn this nest of hornets, and should the Knight
of the Melice be burned with it, there will be no harm done."

"I suppose," said Ephraim, rather sulkily, "this is a service
you want to put on my shoulders, but an' you wish to burn the
house, you can burn it yourself."

" That can I not do," answered Spikeman. " The thing must
be done secretly, so that it may appear the consequence of some
accident. Were I to absent myself I should be missed, but thou
canst do it without suspicion."

15*

354 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" And suppose it done, what then ?" asked Pike.

" Thou shalt have a gold piece for that which costs thee but
little trouble and no risk."

" How shall it be done ?"

" I will presently take all the inmates of the cabin with us on
our return. After we have gone a few rods, do thou retrace thy
steps and fire the building, and hurry back immediately."

" But should I be missed 1"

" There is little probability of that ; but thou knowest me,
Ephraim, and can be certain that I will be able to account satis
factorily therefor should it happen."

" Yea, I do know thee," said Ephraim to himself, " for as cun
ning a one as Beelzebub himself ; but thou hast never failed me,
and I will trust thee yet again. I will do the thing," he said
aloud, " since thy mind is set thereon ; but it rubs mightily against
the grain."

" Thou shalt not repent it," replied Spikeman. " We are in
some sort confederates, and our fates are so interwoven that thy
fortunes depend on mine."

With these prophetic words the Assistant left his co-adjutor,
and returning to the apartment of the lady, requested her to pre
pare herself and the Indian child to accompany him. She made
no reply, and, on his departure, sat some little time pondering
what it became her to do ; after which, she rose and prepared
some articles of clothing.

Spikeman soon re-appeared, and directing one of his soldiers
to carry the clothing, begged the lady to follow him. This she
did without objection, holding the girl by the hand, and appear
ing indifferent to all that happened. She found Arundel and
Joy, with a number of strange persons, in the largest room of
the building, preparing for departure. The countenances of the
two men expressed the indignation which they felt, but they were
obliged to content themselves with the offer of such services, as

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 855

their situation permitted. This the lady graciously acknowl
edged in a few words, but seemed more inclined to indulge in her
own private thoughts than to encourage any conversation. They
all left the house together, and, when in the open air, were com
mitted to the special guard of half a dozen of the party, who
composed the centre ; and, in this order, led by Spikeman, the
cavalcade commenced their march. They had proceeded at a
slow pace, on account of the females, and in silence, broken only
by an occasional question and answer, for perhaps half an hour,
when one of the men observed that either the moon had risen or
the morning was breaking.

" There is no moon, Cowlson," said a soldier ; " nor, accord
ing to my reckoning, can it be much past midnight. The light
ye see comes from the North ; and, an' it were winter, I should
think it was the shooting of the Northern lights."

" These be no Northern lights, nor Southern, nor moon, nor
morning," said another. " An' it be not a fire, my name is not
Job Bloyce."

" How can it be a fire ?" said Ephraim Pike, who had con
trived to join the band without his absence being noticed, after
accomplishing his purpose. " There is nothing in that direction
but the house we just left, and sure it cannot be that."

" I know not," said Spikeman. " It may be the work of the
desperate man whom we failed to take, and who has done the
deed, in order to throw disgrace in some sort on us."

" That is a strange supposition," said Lieutenant Venn. " A
man would hardly be likely to destroy his own property."

" Not without some malicious design, I grant ye ; but that
were motive sufficient with Sir Christopher. Besides, what is it
he would burn up but a heap of old logs, whose whole value
could scarcely exceed ten pounds?"

356 THE KNG1HT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

By this time the fire had gained such an ascendancy over the
building, as to throw a light which could no longer be mistaken,
and all were satisfied that it must proceed from the habitation of
the Knight. The majority of the men adopted, without reflec
tion, the idea thrown out by the wily Assistant, but there were
others who were unable to satisfy themselves as easily.

CHAPTER XXVII.

When the King of Tars saw that sight,
Wood he was for wrath aplight :

In hand he hent a spear,
And to the Soudan he rode full right ;
With a dunt of much might,

Adown he gan him bear.

OLD ENGLISH METRICAL ROMANCE.

ONLY the accidental absence of the Knight saved him from the
indignity to which his household was subjected. Well were the
measures of his enemies taken, and the time chosen, for it was
reasonable to suppose, that after so long a journey, he would cer
tainly be found at his domicile the first night. His erratic habits
were well known, and it was this knowledge which induced the
choice of the time for the arrest, and indeed had assisted to
deepen suspicions, in a suspicious community, against him. It
would not have suited the purposes of Spikeman to wait, and
thus afford the Knight an opportunity to present himself in town.
He chose to bring in Sir Christopher as a criminal, knowing that
having committed his associates thus far, to an act of violence,
they would not be likely to rest until they had expelled Sir
Christopher from the colony.

At the time Spikeman was rifling his house, and injuriously
treating its inmates, the Knight, unsuspicious of harm, was lying
in the wigwam of Sassacus, which was distant but a mile or two
from his own residence. Lying on his side, with his head sup
ported on one hand by the elbow resting on the ground, he was

358 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

addressing the Sagamore, who, seated in Indian fashion, with the
soothing pipe at his lips, was listening to his discourse. A flick
ering fire sent up now and then a bright flame, by means of
which the two became ever and anon more distinctly discernible
to each other, while in the intervals, there was only light enough
to distinguish the outlines of their persons. Even through the
studied apathy of the Pequot, it was obvious that the subject
possessed considerable interest for him, for occasionally he would
remove his pipe from his mouth, and gaze fixedly on the ground,
as if lost in profound thought.

" Wonderful, O chief," he said, after the Knight had ceased
speaking, " are the things which thou hast told, and I believe,
because the white men are very strange, and I have never caught
thee in a lie. Truly, as thou sayest, are the red men children,
and the white men exceed them in wisdom, even as the beaver
the wolf. The wise beaver is warm in his lodge, when the wolf
howls for hunger and cold in the forest. The white man is the
beaver, and the red man the wolf. The Great Spirit made them
so, for so it pleased him, and so they must remain."

" Nay," said the Knight. " There was a time when the white
race was like thine own, without that knowledge which makes
them so powerful."

" And can the chief say why the Great Spirit gave Owanux
the wisdom which he denied to us ?"

" That is a question I cannot answer, any more than why thy
skin is red and mine white ; but the Christian religion was the
means whereby the change was effected."

" There is but one Great Spirit, who made all things," said
Sassacus, solemnly, " and we worship him as well as the white
men. Lightnings are the glances of his eyes; thunder is his
voice ; the sun is the fire before his lodge, which he extinguishes
when he sleeps, and the moon and stars are the sparks which fly
up into the air when it goes out."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 859

" Thou hast indeed, in some sort, a religion, for He hath not
left even the most barbarous nations without some knowledge of
himself, howbeit it is not unto wisdom. But it is only with his
true religion that he has connected that acquaintance with him
self, which makes men to advance in all that is worthy to be
known here, and happy hereafter."

" Our wise men say," replied Sassacus, " that for the spirits
of brave and just warriors there are happy hunting grounds, far
away towards the setting sun, which the Indian travels to, over
the white path in the middle of the sky, where deer, and elk, and
bears never fail, and where the hunter is never tired, nor very
hungry."

" Alas !" said the Knight ; " these are but figments of the ima
gination — fond dreams as unsubstantial as morning mist, and
deceitful as the wandering fire, which lures the ignorant traveller
into the morass."

" O, wise chief," said Sassacus, " our tribes have also their
traditions, and I know not why they may not be as true as thine.
We do not think, as your powahs teach, that our traditions come
from Hobbamocki, while yours all proceed from the Master of
life."

" Hobbamocki is thy name for the Evil Spirit ?"

" My brother has said it. Would he like to know how he was
created 1"

" I listen," said the Knight.

" A long, long time ago," said Sassacus," the Master of Life,
Kiehtan, went to a large flat island, in order to complete his wcrk
of creation. He there created a multitude of animals, some of
which were so large that he was unable to control them. It is
said that remains of gigantic beasts are still to be found upon the
island, which were never finished. It was out of clay that
Kiehtan formed the beasts, while the inferior manitos looked on
and rejoiced in his labor. He made in the side of each animal

860 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

an opening, whereinto he crept, and so warmed it into life. It
the animals pleased him he permitted them to swim to the great
pasture land, and to fill the woods ; if they pleased him not, he
first withdrew the life, and then turned them into clay again.
Once he made so large a beast that he was afraid to give him life.
There were also other smaller, to whom he gave not life, because
he considered them not useful. Once he made a creature, in the
form of a man, which he also rejected, but he forgot to take the
life away from him, and this is the evil spirit, Hobbamocki."

" And thou believest this fable, as wild as ever sprung from
the unbridled license^of an Oriental story-teller'?"
j$L " Sassacus believes as the wise men of his nation believed, when
he was a little pappoose, and as their fathers believed, when they
were papooses, and as his people have always believed, for more
summers than there are stars in the sky. But do not the white
men believe in Hobbamocki ?"

" They do, though they give him a different name," answered
the Knight. " He was a Great Spirit, who was expelled from
heaven, or the happy hunting grounds, because of his wicked
ness."

" Was he not very happy there, and had all that he wanted 1"
inquired the Pequot.

" He was happy and preeminent above all other manitos in
glory and power."

" How then became he wicked 1"

" That is a question which our wise men have never been able
to answer. But he envied the greatness of the Master of Life,
and desired to occupy his place."

" Can your Hobbamocki be in two places at once ?"

" No. Being a created spirit, he is limited."

" It cannot be, then, that he was such a fool," said the chief,
decisively. " Behold ! the Master of Life is every where ! He is
like the air and the light. Manitos are very little things beside

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 361

him, and all together cannot fill his place. Your powahs have
deceived you, and told a foolish story of their own invention.
No. Hobbamocki was vexed because the Great Spirit did not
like him, and for that reason tries to revenge himself, by troub
ling those whom the Great Spirit loves."

" At least," said the Knight, " our two traditions agree in
this — that there is an evil spirit, who injures and leads men into
wickedness, and therein do thy legends confirm the truth of the
Catholic religion."

" Do the people at Shawmut, under Sagamore Winthrop, be
lieve in all things, as my brother?"

" Nay. They are heretics, and given over to believe a lie — from
whom this land shall be taken, and bestowed as an heritage on
others, who shall be the Indians' friends, and they shall all live
together."

" Listen ! My brother has spoken of this before, and Sassacus
has thought much about it. It seems to me that when the Great
Spirit spoke to the white men, they could not understand his
words, but his voice was to them like the sighing of the wind
among the trees, or the dashing of the green water on the shore,
for they cannot agree about their religion. But the ears of the
Indians were sharper, and they all understood alike, and there
fore they do not differ about what the Master of Life said, and
they also know better concerning Hobbamocki. Has not my
brother told me that the white men fight and kill one another
about their religion"?"

" Alas ! it is too true," replied Sir Christopher.
" Indians never do so. Let us do a great thing," added Sas
sacus, his face suddenly kindling, as with the inspiration of a
magnificent thought — " we will teach the English our religion,
which we never fight about, because we know it to be true, and
the English shall teach us how to build ships, and make guns
and powder ; and, together, we will drive the Taranteens into the
salt lake."

362 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

"It is in vain," said the Knight to himself, on hearing this
extraordinary proposition. " He doth, ever in his childlike sim
plicity, say something to confound me. His untutored mind is
yet incapable of receiving the mysteries of our holy religion, but,
in lieu thereof, perpetually runs after the practical and imme-
mediate advantages of powder and guns. Direct the conversa
tion as I may, this target doth it hit at last."

At this moment an Indian stepped into the lodge, and, utter
ing the word " fire !" accompanied by a gesture of the arm,
retired.

The Knight and Sassacus sprung up, and, looking in the di
rection indicated, beheld the heavens all aglow with the confla
gration.

" It is my lodge !" exclaimed Sir Christopher. " I will hasten
thither instantly."

" Come with us, Towanquattick," said the Chief, calling to the
Indian, and the three at once directed their course toward the
dwelling of the Knight.

With all their haste, they did not reach it until the fire had
made such progress that it was impossible to suppress it, or even
save anything from the building. The flames were pouring out
in billows from the doors and windows, and a moment after their
arrival the roof fell in. They approached as near as the heat
would permit, but were unable to distinguish anything in the
interior, nor was a sound to be heard, save that of the rushing
flames and falling timbers. No one was present, except the three
— the natives who lived near having retired deeper into the wood
on the first alarm. Leaning on his gun, the Knight gazed sadly
on the burning ruin, reflecting on what had probably become of
its former occupants. If he had any doubts, they were soon
dissipated by Sassacus, whose attention, with that of the other
Indian, had been attracted by marks upon the ground which had
escaped the notice of Sir Christopher. These plainly revealed to

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 363

them by the light of the fire, the two, like well-bred hounds, had
been examining in every direction, until, gathering together the
various tracks into one trail, they had followed it into the wood.
Returning to the Knight, arid pointing out the traces, the chief
said :

" Many Owanux have been here, and all are gone to Shaw-
mut."

"I surmised as much," said Sir Christopher, partly to him
self. " We will follow, Sagamore, and assure ourselves with
our own eyes."

No time was lost in lamentation, but the three instantly
started after the band.

Sir Christopher could see the trail until it reached the wood ;
but here, notwithstanding his experience in woodcraft, he fre
quently lost all trace of it, though to the Indians it seemed as
plain as a beaten highway. Never hesitating, even in the ob
scurest recesses of the forest where penetrated no ray of a star,
with rapid steps they pursued their way.

Meanwhile, the party of soldiers, conscious of their strength,
and encumbered with their prisoners, though pushing on at first
at a good pace, had of late been proceeding more leisurely.
Even Lieutenant Venn, satisfied that they would be able without
haste to reach their destination before daylight, ceased to hurry.
As they approached nearer the village, their vigilance diminished
— the men talked loud and jested with one another, and it was
obvious that no apprehensions of danger were entertained.

This state of things had not been unnoticed by Philip, who
had been meditating over the question, whether it were not bet
ter make an attempt to escape. " There is no great hazard in
it," he said to himself ; " but were I to get away I should be
about as badly off as now, unless I could meet Sir Christopher
or the Sagamore ; and perhaps they have been captured by some
other party, for our folk do not things by halves. They have

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

taken away my snap-chance, too, and I cannot shoot with arrows
like a savage, so that, as one may say, I am a sort of cat without
claws. I know not what they can have against me now, or why
I should be afraid of them ; and yet, when I think of their pur
gatory of a prison, it makes me crawl all over. A week's lodg
ing there would about make an end of me. I think I have
never been quite the man I was before, since they stuck me
there."

Thus revolving in his mind the advantages and disadvantages
of his position, the remembrance of his sufferings during his im
prisonment, at last turned the scales in favor of liberty, and
Philip began to think of means to accomplish his purpose. He
tried, by lagging behind and falling down once or twice, to get
into the rear ; but this manoauvre the vigilant eyes of Lieutenant
Venn detected, who ordered him nearer to the front, and directed
that he should be watched closer. Foiled in this manner, that
freedom which but a moment before, and when apparently in his
power, seemed almost a matter of indifference, assumed a con
stantly increasing importance, and the mind of Philip worked
more actively than ever. In a short time they would be out of
the forest, when any attempt at evasion would be folly, for,
should he succeed in shaking off his guard, he would run great
risk of being shot down in the open space. It was therefore ne
cessary to think quickly.

" If I only had Prudence with me," thought Philip, " I be bound
she would have invented a dozen ways to get off by this time.
Sweet wench ! there is some difference between sitting on a log
with her and stealing a smack once in a while, though a slap be
pretty sure to follow, and dragging my legs in the dark among
the briers. But she is not here, and so I will e'en take up with
Master Arundel, and suck his wits a bit."

" What think you," he whispered to his companion in cap
tivity, " of making a rush, and showing our heels to the Philis
tines?"

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 365

" It were madness," answered the young man, in the same
manner. " Thou wert sure to be retaken, perhaps shot."

" I have no fancy for either ; but cannot your wit devise some
mode to save me from yon lock-up ? My bones ache when I
think of it."

" I have no desire to get away," answered Arundel; " nor un
derstand I how it can advantage thee, seeing that, sooner or later,
thou art tolerably certain of being made prisoner again."

" Nevertheless, there is a chance of better things ; and I say
once more I like not the thoughts of the close quarters they in
tend for us. An' you will not run for it yourself, at least help a
poor fellow, whose ideas are like a skein of tangled silk, to avoid
the bilboes."

"Assuredly, if you wish, what I can I will do to facilitate
thy escape. Only tell me how."

" You have me there in a Cornish hug," said Philip. " An' I
knew, I had not asked."
I . " You would not have us fight for our liberty1?"

"I am not so crazy as that. Ten to one is odds that any one,
except Sampson, might avoid without disgrace, and even he
would not stand much chance, for all his bushy head, when bul
lets were flying."

" We must out-mano3uvre them by some stratagem."

" If Sassacus were here," said Philip, " he could show us the
way. There is not a tree or a rock but would have something
to say to him about a contrivance."

" What would you think, Philip," asked Arundel, (the direc
tion of Sassacus to sound the notes of the robin, whenever he
desired to see him, occurring to his mind,) " were I to conjure up
the Chief?"

" I would think thee more cunning than any powah of them
all, and, moreover, advise thee to keep out of the way of the
elders and magistrates."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Keep quiet a moment, and I will try my powahing."

So saying, the young man whistled the peculiar notes of the
bird, which, in the dewy silence of night, rung wide through the
woods.

" Halt!" cried Spikeman, who instantly suspected some
treachery. " Close up around the prisoners. Who dared make
those sounds ?"

No answer was returned ; and, after a vain attempt to discover
their author, the party resumed its march.

" If your powahing has done no other good, Master Arundel,"
said Philip, " it at least frightened the General."

" I am a beginner," answered the young man, jestingly, " and
it would not be surprising should I fail at first. If it raise not
the sagamore or one of his men before we reach the open space,
I will try the spell again."

But the notes had struck the quick ears of the Pequot chief,
and at their sound he bounded forward at a pace which his com
panions vainly endeavored to equal, and which shortly left them
out of sight ; but they could hear the rustling he made tearing
through the bushes, and, guided by it, followed. The noise oc
casioned by the movements of so large a party, and the conversa
tion among them, prevented the approach of the sagamore being
heard, especially as when he drew nearer he proceeded with more
caution. Gliding from tree to tree, he was able to advance quite
close without being discovered. What was the rage of the chief,
when, at the head of the band, he beheld his enemy, the Assistant
Spikeman, leading as prisoners his friends and the little Indian girl.
Not waiting for the Knight and the Paniese to come up, fitting an
arrow, he drew the deer's sinew till the head of the missile touched
the hand that held the bow, and sent it whizzing through the air.
The cavalcade had passed on, so that the front ranks were in
advance of Sassacus, when he discharged the shaft, and the back
of the Assistant was turned to him. It entered just below the

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 367

right shoulder, and was sent with such vigor, that, passing be
tween the ribs, it stopped not until arrested on the other side by
the steel corselet which Spikeman wore on his breast. Shouting
then his war-whoop, and drawing his tomahawk from his girdle,
the Pequot leaped among the band. Like lightning it sunk into
the head of one man, who fell to the ground. The chief raised
it again, but before it could descend, a blow prostrated him, and,
in an instant, he was overpowered and disarmed. So rapidly
followed these occurrences, that before the Knight and Towan-
quattick came up, the chief was a prisoner, and every man on his
guard was prepared and watching for an enemy. To attack
would have been certain death or captivity ; they, therefore, bit
terly lamenting the passionate impetuosity of the sagamore, kept
themselves concealed in order to take advantage of circumstances.
Having disposed his Company so as to face in every direction,
to repel attack, Lieutenant Venn approached to examine the
fallen men. A corpse was all that remained of Ephraim Pike,
who must have instantly expired on receiving the blow. His
head was cleft to the neck, and portions of the brain were lying
on the leaves. He had probably been selected by the sagamore
(from his neighborhod to the Assistant, by whose side he marched)
as second in command, and thus expiated with his life his evil
devotion to his master. Spikeman lay upon his face, groaning,
while the blood slowly oozed from his wound. The lieutenant,
with one of the men, raised him up, while Lady Geraldine strove
to stanch the bleeding. An attempt was made to withdraw the
arrow, but the pain it occasioned and the amount of blood which
followed were so great, that it was abandoned. All that could
be done was to carry the wounded man as gently as possible
home. Venn, now at the head of half a dozen men, scoured the
woods in the immediate vicinity all around ; and, finding no en
emy, returned, and ordered a couple of trestles to be made, on one
of which was to be placed the body of Pike, and on the other the

368 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

groaning Spikeman. Upon mustering the company, it was found
that all were present, with the exception of Philip Joy, who
had escaped in the confusion. Four men being assigned to each
of the trestles, to be relieved as occasion should require, the re
mainder having charge of the prisoners, and composing the van
and rear, Lieutenant Venn re-commenced his march — Arundel
walking by the side of the Pequot chief, to whom he expressed
regret at his capture.

" It is a summer cloud," said the sagamore.

As for Philip, on effecting his escape, he felt some embarrass
ment what to do with himself. There he was, alone and with
out arms, in the forest, wandering helplessly about, and, if un
able to find Sir Christopher, in a worse condition than before.
He had half a mind to pursue the band and surrender himself,
when, remembering the powahing, as he called it, of Arundel, he
determined to try it himself. Imitating, therefore, to the best
of his ability, the sounds made by the young man, he sat down
and waited for the effect. Presently the figure of Towanquattick,
followed by that of the Knight, stole out of a thicket and stood
before him.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

But, gasping, heaved the breath that Lara drew,
And dull the film along his dim eye grew.

BYRON.

ON the arrival of the party at the settlement, Lieutenant Venn
divided it into two detachments ; at the head of one of which he
carried the Assistant to his own house, while the other, under
the command of an inferior officer, was charged with the secu
rity of the prisoners. Only the sagamore was strictly confined,
being ironed and placed in the same dungeon which Joy had oc
cupied. Sassacus made no resistance, but submitted with a sto
ical impassivity as to an irresistible fate. The lady and Indian
girl, as those from whom flight was less to be feared, and with
whom it would be more difficult to effect, and also out of defer
ence to the weakness of their sex, were committed to the care of
Dame Bars, by whom they were to be closely watched. As for
Arundel, he was permitted to depart, the lieutenant informing
him that he had been arrested only to prevent the carrying of in
formation to the Knight. It is 'doubtful, however, whether, if
Spikeman had still been in command, he would have escaped on
as easy terms.

The little community was thrown into some commotion by
these events. The dangerous wound of so prominent a person
as the Assistant, and the capture of the renowned Indian sachem

16

370 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

— not to speak of the lady — could not fail to occasion a lively
interest. As soon as the results of the night expedition were
known, (and the news flew with wonted celerity,) every body
was in the streets, giving and receiving information, or what
purported to be such, and making and listening to comments
thereupon. We cannot, however, remain to hear the conversa
tion of the grave citizens at the corners, but must follow those
whose particular fortunes we have undertaken to portray.

The unfortunate Spikeman, unable to suppress his groans at
the pain occasioned by the motions of his bearers — his clothing
saturated with blood, which kept oozing from the orifices of the
wound — was borne to his dwelling, and delivered to the weeping
household. It would be absurd to suppose that any great grief
was felt by Dame Spikeman, and hers was partly the feeling
arising from early associations and long familiarity ; but it is
impossible for the most stoical to contemplate, without emotion,
one in the condition of the suffering man, and the tears of Eve
line and of Prudence were mingled with those of the dame.

It happened that Dr. Samuel Fuller, of the Plymouth colony,
who had come over with the first Pilgrims, was in Boston at the
time- He was immediately brought to the wounded man, and
was soon followed by Governor Winthrop, Mr. Eliot, and other
friends. The corselet had been removed, and a portion of the
clothing cut away, and Spikeman lay on his side, spasmodically
breathing. Yet had resolution not entirely deserted him. His
strong character still spoke in his face, and he looked like one
who, though conquered, was not subdued.

Doctor Fuller approached the couch and gently touched the
arrow, but it produced such a spasm that he did not repeat the
experiment. The eyes of Spikeman were fastened on the coun
tenance of the surgeon, and read therein his doom.

"There is no hope ?" he gasped.

" I humbly trust," said the doctor, who was " not only useful

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 371

in his faculty, but otherwise, as he was a godly man, and served
Christ in the office of a deacon in the Church for many years,
and forward to do good in his place," according to an old chronicle
— " I humbly trust that a crown of glory awaits thee in the
other world whither thou art hastening."

A groan, which shook the couch whereon he was lying, and
sent the blood gushing from the wound, burst from Spikeman, as
he heard the answer.

i " Yea," said good and tender-hearted Mr. Eliot, " let our
brother anchor his mind on the promises which are very com
fortable — ' For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again
to fear, but ye have received the spirit of adoption whereby we
cry, Abba, Father.' For I reckon that the sufferings of the
present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which
shall be revealed in us. l Blessed are the dead who die in the
Lord, and their works do follow them.' "

"Works?" interrupted Spikeman. " Who speaks of works ?
They are filthy rags."

" They are indeed but filthy rags," said Mr. Eliot, " to them
who rely upon them for salvation ; yet are they not unpleasing
as being the fruits of saving faith."

" I will not hear of works," said Spikeman. " Moreover,
whom he did predestinate — them" — a sudden pang prevented
the conclusion of the sentence, but it was finished by Mr. Eliot.

" He also called ; and whom he called, them he also justified ;
and whom he justified, them he also glorified."

A silence followed, which was interrupted only by the sobs of
Dame Spikeman, until the wounded man inquired :

"How long shall I live ?"

" It may be two hours ; it may be only one," answered the
physician.

" A short time !" murmured the Assistant, " My soul doth
travail with anguish," he said, fixing his burning eyes on Mr.
Eliot.

372 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" O, my brother !" exclaimed the divine, " the precious blood
of Christ cleanseth from all sins, though they be as crimson.
Faint not now, when thou art about to cross the river of Jordan,
but think upon thy Redeemer."

" I strive," said Spikeman, " but there are thoughts which —
which rise up, as a mist, between me and him."

" O, cleanse thy bosom of this perilous stuff," said Winthrop.
" If there be a sin which persecutes thee, confess it and re
pent."

" Is that the voice of the Governor ?" asked Spikeman, who
seemed to have forgotten his entrance. " Repentance ! Repent
ance ! it is too late."
j, . Those around the couch looked at one another with dismay.

" Our dear brother," said Mr. Eliot, " of what specially wouldst
thou repent? Believe me — it is never too late to trust God's
mercies. Think of the penitent thief upon the Cross."

" Do you dare to call me a thief?" said Spikeman, hoarsely.
"Ah!" he added, "how I talk! These are strange feelings.
What I have to do must be done quickly. Call Eveline Dun
ning."

" Who is in the room ?" he inquired, after the young lady had
entered.

The names of those present were enumerated. " Let them re
main," he said. "They are of the congregation, but I would
not that the world should know my shame. Look not thus at
me," he exclaimed, as soon as he saw Eveline. " Thy face is like
thy father's, the friend whom I wronged. Be nigh to hear, but
let me not see thee. Eveline, the property which should be
thine, I have misapplied, and it has melted from my grasp. It
was that my misdeed might not be discovered that I denied thee
to Miles Arundel, though thy father wished the nuptials. Yet,
Eveline, marry him not ; he is of the corrupt Church of Eng
land."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 373

These words he uttered with many interruptions of pain, re
suming when the paroxysm passed away.

"Would you see Miles'?" inquired the weeping girl.

" To what end ? I care not for him. He is not of the con
gregation. Go now. I have done."

" My spirit is lightened," he said, as she left the room. " Ed
mund Dunning," he added, as his mind temporarily wandered,
" why do you fasten your accusing eyes on me ? I have made
all the reparation that I can. "What more ?"

" Alas !" said Mr. Eliot, aside, to Governor Winthrop, " who
would have thought this of one so zealous for our Israel ?"

Low as was the tone, the words struck the ear of Spikeman.

" Whatever be my sins," he said, " even though dark as those
of David, I have been zealous unto slaying for the people of God,
Is the enemy taken?" he inquired.

" Whom mean you 1" asked Winthrop.

" Whom should I mean, but the man ye call the Knight of the
Golden Melice?"

" He is not yet taken," answered the Governor.

" Let him be hunted, as a partridge on the mountains; let him
be run down and seized ; kill him, if he resists."

" This is no fitting frame of mind for a parting spirit," said
Mr. Eliot. " Let me beseech you to turn your thoughts on the
Saviour."

But delirium had now taken possession of the mind of the
dying man, and made him insensible alike of all that was said
and of pain.

" Away with him !" he cried, " who lays snares for the feet of
my people. Hew him down, though he hugged the arms of the
altar."

" Shall we not, beloved brother, unite our supplications to the
throne of grace, for the last time on earth ?" asked Mr. Eliot,
bending over him.

374 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect ? It is
God who justifies," said Spikeman, turning on the minister his
glazing eyes.

" It is in vain," said Winthrop. " He heeds not nor under
stands what you say."

" Papistical mummeries ! Your croziers, your mitres, your
mumbled prayers from the mass-book ! I hate them ! Forty
years long they wandered in the wilderness, but they prevailed at
last. Stay ye the hands of our Moses ! Be strong ! Quit ye
like men."

" His mind, even in its wanderings, doth remember Israel,"
said Dr. Fuller.

" He hath, indeed," said Winthrop, " ever avouched himself a
devoted servant of our cause. Unhappy is it "

He looked at the weeping wife, and left the sentence un
finished.

".Let him who is without sin cast the first stone," said good
Mr. Eliot.

" Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound !" ex
claimed the dying man.

" Dear husband," said Dame Spikeman, sobbing, and taking
his hand, " know you me ?"

" What woman speaks ?" said Spikeman. " It is the voice of
Prudence — sweet Pru "

His wife let the hand fall, and covering her face with her
handkerchief, burst into a flood of tears. A severer spasm than
any before shook the Assistant's frame ; a more copious gush of
blood poured from the wound ; and in the effort to speak the
name of the girl, the spirit passed to its account.

" Strange," said pure-minded Mr. Eliot, " that he should utter
the name of the serving-maid."

A look of intelligence passed between the Governor and the
physician, but neither spoke.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 375

" He is silent," said the divine ; " he is stiller, and feels less
pain."

" He will never feel pain again in this world," said the doc
tor, approaching the bed, at a little distance from which he had
been sitting, and gazing on the corpse.

Dame Spikeman screamed, and was borne, fainting, from the
apartment in the arms of Eveline and Prudence, who hastened
in at the sound.

" Behold," said Mr. Eliot, who, after the manner of clergymen,
was anxious to " improve the solemn occasion," " another warning
addressed to us all, to be ready, for we know not neither the day
nor the hour. How suddenly hath our friend been forever removed
from the scene of his labors and his hopes. i As the cloud is con
sumed and vanisheth away, so he that goeth down to the grave shall
come up no more ; he shall return no more to his house, neither shall
his place know him any more.' But, though the spirit be gone,
its memory remains behind. Out of the good and the evil it
hath done, shall be erected its monument on earth. O, let us
hope that the former, sprinkled and cleansed by the blood that
maketh all things pure, may be accepted, and the latter forgiven,
for His sake who shed it. For He who made us knoweth
whereof we are made ; He remembereth that we are dust ; He
seeth not as man seeth. Only He knows all the secrets of the
weak, trembling heart, its temptations, its trials, its struggles,
its sorrows, its triumphs, its despairs. Our friend was a captain
in Israel. He hath fallen with his armor on, and girded for the
battle. He loved the suffering Church. Be that a remembrance
to rise like a sweet- smelling incense before the congregation;
and if Thou, whose pure eyes cannot behold iniquity, wilt not be
extreme to mark what is done amiss, neither may we, the work
of thy hands, dare to assume Thy prerogative ; but as the sons of
sinning Noah, with averted eyes, covered the nakedness of their
father with their garments, so will we hide in forgetfulness each
short-coming and each transgression."

376 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELIOE.

As the good man, with a swelling heart and sad eyes, in
which glittered the sacred drops of human feeling, uttered these
words, he looked like a pitying angel from whose lips reproach
could not fall, and whose blessed office was only to instruct and
to forgive.

The death of one as important as the Assistant Spikeman
could not but be sensibly felt in so small a community. He had
been a man whose daring nature would not allow him to be at
rest, and who was never contented, except in the exercise of all his
faculties. Hence he had been not only active and scheming in
private life, but also busy and bold in public, driven forward, as
it were, by a sort of inborn necessity. Though not deeply re
gretted, he yet was missed. Those whom his adventurous spirit
employed in the fisheries, and the just-commencing fur trade,
missed him ; his brethren of the congregation, wherein his voice,
to the edification of his hearers, had often been lifted up in the
"gift of prophecying," missed him; and his coadjutors in the
government, to whom in more than one instance his keen natural
sagacity had been a guide, and his zeal a stimulus and support,
missed him ; but it was only for a short time. How often has it
been remarked, that few things are as capable of making us feel
our insignificance, as the shortness of time in which we are for
gotten. Active, prominent, influential as he had been, Spikeman
was soon remembered only as yesterday is remembered. There
were no loves twining around his memory, reaching beyond the
grave, and bringing him back to earth ; no tender recollections of
benefits conferred, which the heart cherishes as an inestimable
treasure. There was naught for the mind to dwell upon, save
his public duties, which he had indeed discharged respectably,
but no more. Another Assistant could fill his place as well ;
another exercise the gift of prophecying to the use of edifying ;
and other merchants succeed to, his trade. Verily is the life
of man as the track of an arrow in the air ; as smoke lost in

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 377

the clouds ; as a flake of snow that falls upon the water ; as a
childish grief, or aught else that is most transient.

But the death of the wicked is a benefit to earth. A gloomy
shadow hath passed away ; the blight of its presence will fall no
more on the innocent. The purpose for which he was sent into
this world, that from its joys and its sorrows he might become a
nobler being, seems to have been defeated. But I know not.
Pass, then, dark spirit ; my eyes seek not to follow thy track.

The relation which existed between Arundel and Eveline was,
of course, affected by the disclosure of Spikeman on his death
bed — no opposition being henceforth made to the free intercourse
of the two young people. There were, indeed, some who la
mented that the daughter of precious Edmund Dunning should be
come the wife of one who had not cast in his lot with the saints ;
but then, again, Arundel was no enemy to their cause, no railing
Rabsheka, but a well-behaved and modest youth, who paid, at
least, an outward respect to the customs of the congregation, and
might yet, from the influence of godly Edmund Dunning' s child,
be converted into a vessel of grace. Moreover, the story was
pretty well known, and the romantic love which had attracted
him from New-England, and the wrong the two had suffered
from Spikeman, worked in their favor in the hearts of the Puri
tans. The marked attention which the generous Winthrop
manifested now toward them, seeming as if anxious by present
kindness to atone for former injustice, contributed also not a lit
tle to the feeling ; and, honored and beloved, the young couple,
with the sanguine anticipations of youth, looked forward to a
cloudless future. Yet was their happiness, especially that of
Arundel, damped by reflections upon the condition of the Pequot
chief and the lady in the prison, and of the Knight wandering
homeless in the forest, with no place of shelter for his defenceless
head save the wigwams of the friendly savages. Knowing the
severity of the government, the foreboding mind of the young

16*

378 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

man was harrassed with apprehensions for the fate which might
befall them. Access to the Lady Geraldine was permitted to
him and Eveline, and thus were they able to bestow upon the un
happy lady at least their sympathy, for of nothing else would
she accept ; but no one was allowed to see the Sagamore. In
vain Arundel pleaded and intreated ; in vain he recounted his
personal obligations to the Chief; he was firmly repulsed, and
told that though the feeling was honorable, it constituted no
claim for the violation of a rule which their circumstances im
posed.

Disappointed and somewhat incensed at the unnecessary harsh
ness, as he conceived, wherewith the Chief was treated, and at
the suspicion implied toward himself, he, one day on his return
from an unsuccessful attempt to obtain an order for admission to
the prison, from Winthrop, poured out his vexation and wounded
pride to his mistress.

" Is it not," he said, " most extraordinary, this refusal to allow
me to say to a man who saved my life, that I have not forgotten
him ? Is it because their treatment of the unfortunate Saga
more is so bad that they are unwilling it should be known ? or
do they think that in open day I would attempt to rescue him ?"

" It is more likely," said Eveline, " to conceal the weakness
of the prison."

" By heaven, Eveline, thy woman's wit hath discovered the
cause. I have been thinking over his wrongous confinement, and
my debt, till I can endure my inaction no longer, and I swear by
St. George of England, that I will soon seek an opportunity to
deliver the noble savage from the undeserved death, which sure
am I, is his intended doom."

" I blame thee not, Miles," said Eveline. " One were craven
to forget a benefit. Only show me how I can aid thee, and my
assistance shall not be wanting."

" Nay," said her lover. " This is no matter wherein soft, small
hands like thine must interfere."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 379

" It is not so big as thine," she said, measuring the little hand
on the palm of Arundel, " but such as it is, it shall ever be at
the service of honor and justice. Were I a man I would strike
a blow for the sake of the generous chief, even although sure of
being prostrated to the earth by a hundred the next instant."

The color of Eveline was heightened, and her voice trembled
a little, as she made the declaration.

" Thy language, dearest, is a spur to a determination already
formed. Were Sassacus to lose his life, and I to leave this land,
conscious of having omitted anything to save it, (at present so
greatly imperilled,) the thought would cast a gloom over the
remainder of my days, which, even thy love could not chase
away."

" Yet run into no unnecessary danger — do not be rash. What
have I done by my imprudent words'?" said the young lady,
tears swelling into her eyes, as the possible consequences of what '
she had said, occurred to her mind. " O Miles, heed me not.
What do I know of such things !"

" To prudence and courage," said Arundel, " there is little
danger in any enterprise ; but sooner shall life desert me, than I
the Fequot chief."

They parted, he to ponder means to accomplish his purpose,
and she alternately to reproach and to forgive herself, for encour
aging her lover in an undertaking full of peril, yet demanded by
gratitude and honor.

CHAPTER XXIX.

No wound, which warlike hand of enemy

nflicts with dint of sword, so sore doth light,
As doth the poisonous sting which infamy

Infixeth in the name of noble wight ;
For by no art. nor any leeches might,
It ever can recovered be again.

SPENSIE'S FAIKT QUEIN.

THE reader is introduced, once more, into the company of the
assembled magnates of the Massachusetts Bay, in New-England,
and into the same room where we beheld them before. Gover
nor Winthrop, upon the elevated dais, in his elbow chair, presides,
while, ranged around the central table, is a full attendance of the
Assistants. Not as before, however, are spectators admitted.
Saving the honorable Council, no person is present, for the busi
ness before them has reference to concerns of State, as well as to
a judicial examination, and it is considered expedient to conduct
it in secrecy. The members, at the moment we enter, are en
gaged in an earnest discussion, and it is the rough voice of Deputy
Governor Dudley which first salutes the ear.

" It were of little avail," he said, as if objecting to something
which had been proposed. " Let us not, like the ancient Phari
sees, lay upon the shoulders of the people burdens too heavy to
be borne."

" Thy comparison," said Endicott, in reply, " is somewhat un-
pleasing, and the shoe fits us not ; but in vain hath been our
pilgrimage hither, if we continue to imitate the unhappy model
we left behind."

382 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Call you," said Dudley, " the accidental shaping of a ruff,
or the manner of disposing of the folds of my galligaskins, an
imitation of a prelatical model t"

" And call you," retorted Endicott, " the requiring of people
vowed to the Lord, to dress themselves in a plain and unpreten
tious manner, a burden too heavy to be borne 1"

" Gentlemen," said Winthrop, " ye be both in the right.
Procul dubiOj it becomes us, of all men, to apparel ourselves in a
sober manner, as thus protesting against the foolish vanities of
the world, and yet is it in some sort a burden, to be required to
change the fashion of our garments."

" I perceive, already, with much sadness of heart," said Endi
cott, " a declension in that strictness of regimen which marked
the earlier time. Have ye not heard of the godly man who, long
time, had been prisoner at Norwich for the cause, and was by
Judge Cook set at liberty ? Now, this man, desiring to go into
the Low Countries by ship from Yarmouth, did turn into the
house of an ancient woman in the city, who had been very kind
and helpful to him in his sufferings, in order to return thanks,
and she knowing his voice, made him welcome. But when he
was ready to depart, she came up to him and felt of his band,
(for her eyes were dim with age,) and perceiving it was somewhat
stiffened with starch, she was much displeased, and reproved him
very sharply, fearing God would not prosper his journey. Yet
was the man a plain countryman, clad in grey russet, without
either welt or guard, (as the proverb is,) and the band he wore
scarce worth three pence, made of their own homespinning.
What would such professors, if they were now living, say to the
excess of our times ?"

" Thy tale," said Dudley, a little sarcastically, " reproaches
thine own band."

" I did instance this case," replied Endicott, slightly abashed,
te not as acknowledging myself literally bound to accept it as a

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 383

guide for mine own conduct, but for the wholesome admonition
therein contained."

" That is to say," returned Dudley, " inasmuch as it jumps
not with thy humor, thou wilt none of it ; but being fitted, as
thou conceivest, to reproach us withal, thou dost accept it." But
having sufficiently annoyed the other, he added, by way of make
peace, " there is one custom which my soul abhors, and against
the which I desire with thee, Master Endicott, to bear my testi
mony, and that is the coming of women unveiled into the congre
gation. I remember that the venerable Countess of Lincoln had
a falling veil to conceal her features, when she came into the
house of the Lord, to worship with his people.''

In spite of himself, a smile passed over the face of Winthrop,
as it did also over those of several Assistants.

" What excites your risibles, gentlemen," asked Dudley, se
verely. " I trust that I am not the subject of your mirth."

" For me, sir," said Master Simon Bradstreet, on whom the
eyes of the deputy happened to rest at the conclusion of the sen
tence, " if thou desirest an answer, I will crave permission first
to inquire, if this discreet lady, who, from thy epithet, I infer to
be somewhat advanced in life, was preeminently distinguished for
beauty ?"

" Although of a gracious presence, I cannot say that she greatly-
excelled in that respect," answered Dudley.

" Then," replied Master Bradstreet, " I see not how the view
of her face could disturb the devotions of the congregation."

" Ye smile, my masters," said Dudley, looking round, "as
though ye had me at advantage ; but ye consider not the
importance of the example of a lady so high in station, and so
exemplary in her Christian calling. Not so much on account
of herself, but for other's sakes, was it done by the godly and
honorable lady."

" I see no foundation therefor in Scripture," said an Assist-

384 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

ant. " Surely married women have no pretext to wear veils as
virgins, neither would married nor unmarried choose to do so
from the example of Tamar the wanton, nor need they do it for
sueh purpose as Ruth did, in her widowhood."

" We claim no certain warrant of Scripture for the practice,"
said Endicott, coming up to the rescue of the deputy, " but only
as being based on the propriety and fitness of things."

" Fall you not then into the very condemnation of the Scribes
and Pharisees, who imposed upon the people burdens enjoined
neither by Moses nor the prophets 1" said the same Assistant,
using the deputy's own argument.

" Nay," said Master Increase No well. " If we confine our
selves strictly to what we find in the Scripture, I fear it might
strike, in some respects, at the proceedings of our government.
The sounder rule, it appears to me, is to follow Scripture as far
as we may, having regard to the difference of our circumstances."
" Such hath been our endeavor," said Endicott. "The man
ner of our dealing with the vile and pernicious weed, tobacco,
sufficiently illustrates the principle of our government. The wis
dom of the godly founders of the plantation at Salem, the charge
whereof was entrusted to my weak hands, did clearly perceive
the lamentable effects, both to the souls and bodies of the users,
hebetating the former, and debauching the latter, likely to arise
from an indulgence therein, and they did therefore, both in their
first and second letter of instructions to myself and the Council,
straightly enjoin that no tobacco should be planted by any of the
new planters under our government, saving under close restric
tions, and that the same might be taken by ancient men and
none other, and that privately. Now, there were those affecting
to be pinched with tender consciences, who said that this was an
infringement of their natural liberty, authorized by no rule of
Scripture, to whom we made answer that the said abominable
weed, the smoke whereof may fitly be compared to the vapor from

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 385

the bottomless pit, was not known in those primitive days, and
for that reason, no rule regarding it was to be found, showing at
the same time that other things, less objectionable, (as it would
seem,) were prohibited, and thus by parity of reasoning, estab
lishing our point. Concerning this matter, as I understand,
there is little difference of opinion among us, although a report
hath of late reached my ears, that certain men in high position,
even elders, having become addicted to the use thereof, are beat
ing about for reasons to excuse their backsliding."

" A calumny, doubtless," said Wlnthrop. " But touching the
principle involved in matters of government, I will deliver my
opinion. Of things coming within the scope of government, I
judge there are two classes ; whereof, the one class may be said
to consist of things mala in se — that is, of those which, by an in
ner quality or essence, are evil ; and the other, of such as are
mala ab extero, or what may be connected with them and made
evil only by a positive law of the State, in which is vested the
duty of watching over the common good. The fantastic notions
of certain libertines, who, setting at naught the experience of the
world, and fondly imagining that wisdom will die with themselves,
have insinuated a doubt of the rightful power of the law-giver
in this latter particular, I condemn, and see not how government
can exist without it. Now, as for things embraced in the former
category — such, for example, as those prohibited in the decalogue
— there can be no doubt of the duty of every Christian State to
see that the prohibition be sustained and enforced even by extreme
penalties, if otherwise the end cannot be reached. But as for
those contained in the latter category, a wide latitude of opinion
may and doth exist among brethren with regard to the extent
whereunto the Sovereign power should go in imposing restraint.
Some, with queasy consciences, are for making most of the duties
of life to be practised, whether of a civil or religious nature, and
also the vices to be avoided, matters of public enactment ; while

386 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

others as honestly hold, that the cause of virtue is not thereby
promoted, but that, contrariwise, the very prohibition, when not
based either on the law of God or the plain and unequivocal
reason of the thing, doth act oft-times as a stimulus or uneasy
incitement to the breach of law, besides making men hypocrites
and time-servers. I may not dilate, but merely hint this much,
not doubting that your quick-conceiving minds have already
sounded the depths of the subject. And now, touching the mat
ter more immediately in hand, which is the proposition of Master
Endicott concerning apparel, and also the expediency of females
wearing veils in the congregation, it seems to me to belong
plainly to things indifferent, and not to be of instant or pressing
importance, requiring present action ; and as there is a difference
of opinion in the Council respecting it, I propose that it be post
poned, and meanwhile referred to the grave judgments of the
elders, more especially as the wearing of veils is a thing con
nected with the assembling together of the congregation in the
Lord's house."

" We are content that it should take that course," cried sev
eral voices. And such, accordingly, was the disposition made of
Master Endicott' s sumptuary motion.

"Time doth wear," said Sir Richard Saltonstall. "Were it
not well to proceed to the examination of the woman ?"
i«: "If no gbjection be offered, I will consider such to be your
minds," said the Governor. A silence following, the servitor
was ordered to conduct the person calling herself Lady Geraldine
De Vaux to the presence.

While awaiting her arrival, the conversation re-commenced
npon a subject which seemed to possess peculiar interest for En
dicott.

" I cannot abide it," said he to his next neighbor.

" May I inquire what excites your indignation, master Endi
cott?" said Winthrop.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 387

" The detestable fashion of wearing long hair, after the man
ner of ruffians and barbarous Indians, which is beginning to in
vade our Canaan, contrary to the rule of God's word, which
says that it is a shame for a man to wear long hair, and contrary
also to the commendable custom generally of all the godly of our
nation, until within these few years."

"You have flushed a new covey," said Winthrop, with a
smile.

" Nay ; it is a chicken of the same brood," said an Assistant.

" Call it what you will," answered Endicott. "It may be a
chicken, if you please, or a hawk, or whatever else your learn
ings may call it, but I do declare and manifest my dislike and
detestation of such wearing of long hair, as against a thing un
civil and unmanly, whereby men deform themselves, and offend
sober and modest persons, and corrupt good manners."

" This is but a thing indifferent," broke in Dudley. " It will
be time enough to think thereof, when no business of moment is
before us."

" Call you that a thing indifferent," demanded Endicott,
" which is plainly reprobated in Scripture 1"

" I would have" you notice," answered the Deputy, " that the
custom is nowhere prohibited. The apostle doth merely speak
of it as of something contrary to usage in his days."

"Brother Dudley— Brother Dudley," said Endicott, "I read
not so the Epistle of Paul. Thus speaks he : ' Doth not nature
itself teach you that if a man have long hair it is a shame unto
him?'"

" Spoke Paul in this wise," inquired Dudley, " as Paul the
inspired messenger, or as Paul the fallible man *?"

"Have a care, brother Dudley," said Endicott. " These be
dangerous distinctions. What is written is written for our
learning, and I will not curiously inquire into the amount of in
spiration therein, having no guage whereby to determine its
measure."

388 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

The conversation, much to the relief of Dudley, who found
himself, somehow or other, speaking in opposition to Endicott in
a matter wherein the opinions and feelings of the two did not
after all materially differ, was here interrupted by the opening of
a door and the introduction of the lady. She was clothed en
tirely in black, with a veil of the same color covering her head,
and falling so low as completely to conceal her features. With
a modest mien she followed the servitor, and, at a courteous
wave of the hand and inclination of the body from Winthrop,
took a seat near the Secretary, a little aback from the table.

" She is attired," said an Assistant to another, " as if she did
divine the thoughts of Endicott. For the sake of her veil she
ought to find favor in his eyes."

" Yet see how he doth eye her, as if his fiery glances longed
to burn up the envious screen. He would tell us, I fancy, that
he confines his rule to meetings of the congregation, and would
consider it an invasion of his Christian liberty to be denied the
sight of beauty elsewhere, to compensate his self-denial."

" Madam," said Winthrop, " it pains me and every member of
the Council that we meet under these circumstances. Let me
trust that you will be able to dispel certain suspicions, and that
the frankness of your answers to the questions to be propounded
will lighten for you and make less onerous for us the sad duty
we are performing."

The lady said something in reply, but either on account of the
the low tone in which she spoke, or of the interposition of the
veil, the words were inaudible.

" I hear not what she says," cried Dudley. " Let her throw
back her veil. Master Endicott," he added, turning to the Ex-
Governor of Salem, " here hast thou evidence that thy rule is
not of universal application."

Endicott turned his steady eyes upon the Deputy, and began
to caress his chin beard with Ids hand, but, before he could speak,
Winthrop's voice was heard.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 389

" Do us the favor, madam," he said, "to remove the covering
from your face."

" Allow me," said the lady, with a voice which trembled a
little, " to keep hid a face which ye would cover with shame."

"Think not so evil of us," answered Winthrop. "Nought
would more glad our hearts than your innocence."

He waited an instant, as if to see whether she would comply
with his request, and, upon her failing to do so, added, " for my
self, I will not press what I see is unpleasant."

But this concession appeared not to meet with general ap
proval. Murmurs circulated about the table, and presently Dud
ley spoke.

"It is contrary to the custom of every civilized court," he
said, " to permit a witness or an accused person to conceal his
features. The reason thereof is too patent to need explication."

" We do entreat you, madam," said Sir Richard, " to pleasure
us thus far, and to believe that no want of consideration is
designed."

Again a pause followed, which was broken by the impatient
Dudley.

" It were painful," he said, looking sternly at the lady, " to
use force."

" It shall not need," she replied, with a tremulous voice,
which, however, acquired steadiness as she proceeded. " I am in
your power, and will obey your commands."

So saying, without raising her eyes, she withdrew the veil, and
exposed her pale face to view. It was seen for the first time by
most of the Assistants, and it was obvious, from the whispered
comments, that no unfavorable impression had been made.

" A modest looking gentlewoman enough," quoth Sir Richard.

" Discreet in her bearing," said another.

" All is not gold that glitters," said Dudley. " The beautiful
skin of the snake covers, after all, a snake."

890 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" For shame, Master Deputy," said Bradstreet.

" We desire to learn of you your knowledge of the person
calling himself Sir Christopher Gardiner," said Winthrop-
" Know you by what right he doth assume the title ?"

" I will answer your question," replied the lady, protesting
against the coercion exercised over me. " He is a worthy and
honorable gentleman of my own personal knowledge, and of the
family of the Gardiner s, of whom Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of
Winchester, was an illustrious scion."

" How know you of the relationship ?" inquired Winthrop.

" Sir Christopher hath himself told me so," answered the
lady.

" A manifest invention," said Endicott, in a low voice to
Dudley, " to raise himself in the estimation of his paramour."

" Our minds do meet in the same conclusion," said Dudley, in
a like tone. " Hear, too, the boasting manner in which she rolls
the word < bishop' over her tongue."

" When and where became you first acquainted with the
Knight ?" inquired Winthrop.

" From early youth, at Boirdly, in Salopshire, England.",.

" Know you when he was knighted 1"

" I know not," answered the lady.

" What is the relation," inquired Winthrop, with some hesi
tation, " wherein you stand to him 1"

" I apprehend not the meaning of your question."

" Hath he not been your protector since leaving England?"

" He hath," answered the lady.

A look of intelligence passed between Dudley and Endicott at
the answer.

" For what purpose came ye into these parts ?"

"Am I at a confessional," demanded the lady, "that I am
bound to expose the secrets of my soul ?"

" If, madam," said Endicott, " you are familiar with the

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 391

popish device, practice will enable you to answer the more
glibly."

" Have pity upon me, gentlemen," said the lady. " I am quite
deject and wretched. Take not advantage of your power to
humiliate me into the dust."

"The question doth still remain unanswered," exclaimed Dud
ley, looking at Winthrop.

" Be not hasty, Master Deputy," said Winthrop. " G-ive the
gentlewoman time to frame her answers."

" I ever liked a quick and unpremeditated response," said En-
dicott. " It is more like to savor of the truth."

" Madam," said Winthrop, " we await your reply."

" How can I make answer thereto ?" she said ; " for what
know I of the private motions of the mind of Sir Christopher *?"

" At least, you can tell the purpose wherefor you came 1"

" It was with no evil intent. I had no motive wherefor I
need be ashamed before God or man." •

" Then why hesitate to avow it t"

" I came influenced by like motives to those which have brought
others to this land."

" Know you aught of a report that the father of this Sir Chris
topher did disinherit him, by reason of his long-continued travels
in various parts of Europe?"

" Supposing him to be dead," said the lady ; " I cannot deny it,
and therefore will not."

" What know you of any wife or wives he may have had?"

" I know nothing of them."

"What!" interrupted Dudley : "hath he not confessed unto
thee that he married a wife on his travels, from whom he was
divorced, and that she is long since dead ?"

" Ye do strive to put words into my mouth, and to entangle
me in my talk," said the lady. " Call you this justice ?"

" We are the interrogators, madam," said Dudley. Looking

392 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

at Winthrop, he saw that the Governor had fallen back in his
seat, with his eyes cast upon the floor, and was silent, as if tired
of his part of the examination, and willing to relinquish it to
others. Observing this, the Deputy proceeded.

" May it please you, madam, to answer the question ?"

" Heaven help me," she said. " My poor brain is so bewil
dered that I hardly know what it is."

" Thou hast a treacherous memory," answered Dudley ; " but
I will repeat it. It was concerning certain confessions about
this Gardiner's wife."

" What confessions ?" said the lady.

" Prevaricate not, nor think to blind me," he answered. " The
facts are of public notoriety, and it will not profit to deny
them."

" If I deny them I am not to be believed, and the denial would
only bring down upon my head additional insult ; then why
tempt so hard a fate ? Tell me what you would have me say,
and I will endeavor to conform to your wishes."

" Woman !" said Dudley, sternly, " trifle not. Answer me —
aye, or nay."

" Thou hast thine answer," said the lady, with some spirit, as
if goaded into resistance by the severity of the treatment.

" I am content," said Dudley. " Thou knowest that falsehood
were in vain."

" Madam," now took up Endicott the word, " we have not as
yet been favored with your name."

" It is Geraldine De Vaux."

" Hast never another t"

" What mean you, sir !" she exclaimed, with a startled air.
" What other name *"

11 1 mean, plainly — is not thy name Mary Grove f

At the question, the lady, unable longer to control herself,

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICB. 393

burst into tears. Quickly recovering herself, however, and dry
ing her eyes, she said :

" The wicked man who first insulted me with the name and
the infamy connected therewith is dead. Dread ye not a like
judgment on yourselves1?"

" Thou dost ill to remind us," observed an Assistant, " that
thou art, according to thine own opinion, in some sort, a cause
of the death of our brother, Spikeman, and to threaten us with
his fate."

" I threatened not. I did but repel a wrongful accusation,"
said the lady, more humbly.

" Yet dost thou not deny the name ?" persisted Endicott.

" If it availed, I would deny it ; but I see that ye are all
leagued together to persecute me unto the death. Not my will,"
she sighed, folding her hands and looking up, " but Thine bo
done !"

" Wilt thou say nothing more touching this subject?" inquired
Endicott.

" I desire to say nothing thereupon, except to protest against
the injurious constructions you seem determined to put on all
that I can say."

"How hath it happened," continued Endicott, "that you
have never appeared with the congregation, in the Lord's
house ?"

" Consider the distance we did live in the woods, and the diffi
culty of the travel," answered the lady, deprecatingly. " But,
has not Sir Christopher attended f

Endicott paid no attention to the question, but went on.

" What is thy profession of faith f '

" I am a Christian, and most miserable sinner."

" Aye, but Protestant or Catholic T

" Protestant," answered the lady, with an inflexion of the
voice which made it difficult to decide whether the word was in-

17

394 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

tended for an ejaculation, a question, or a declaration. " Holy
Virgin !" she murmured, so low as not to be overheard, " forgive
me this half lie. Not for my own sake do my lips utter it, arid
my heart abhors it."

The answer seemed to take Endicott by surprise.

" Have heed to thy words," he said. " We are well advised
that this runnigadoe and thyself were, until of late at least, at
Borne."

"You seem to know all things," said the lady, scornfully,
" and I wonder why ye trouble yourselves with anything that an
ignorant woman can say. Have it as you will."

" Hath not our examination proceeded far enough ?" asked
Sir Richard. " Is there aught else ye expect to elicit ?"

" The woman, I think, hath confessed the whole," said Dudley.
" She openly admits that this Gardiner, or whatever else be his
name, is her paramour ; and, for the remainder, what hath been
wrested from her by her own contradictions, sufficiently con
founds her."

"Base man, it is false!" cried the lady, roused into indigna
tion by the charge. I have confessed to naught whereof a woman
should be ashamed. There is no infamy attached to my name ;
and as high as Heaven is above the earth, so far is Sir Christo
pher above thy craven nature."

" Heyday !" said Dudley ; " it thunders and lightens. I bandy
not words with thee, but the record of the Secretary will
show."

" I find not the exact word," said the Secretary, Master
Nowell, after examining his minutes, "but she doth acknow
ledge this pretended Knight as her protector since they left Eng
land, and the terms are equivalent."

" I meant it not so, I have acknowledged nothing to my
disgrace," exclaimed the lady. " Ye have enveigled and entrapped
me by artful questions, and then put constructions on my an-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 395

swers which do not belong to them. A worthy business, truly,
for grave and learned men to be engaged in, to set their wits to
work against a forlorn woman, to pervert her language into
shameful meanings."

"Madam," said Winthrop, "you have permission to retire.
Bring with thee," he added, addressing the beadle, " the little In
dian girl, without letting her come to speech with this gentlewo
man, and also Sassacus, properly guarded."

CHAPTER XXX.

" Vainly, but well, that Chief had fought,

He was a captive now ;
Yet pride, that fortune humbles not,

Was written on his brow.
The scars his dark, broad bosom wore,
Showed warrior true and brave ;

A prince among his tribe before "

BRYAJFT.

"A MANIFEST Papist ! I can scent one of them out as easily
as a hound doth the hare," said Endicott, after the lady had
retired.

" Beyond a peradventure," echoed Dudley ; " and the attempt
at deception doth aggravate her guilt."

" I, too, remarked," said an Assistant, " that she possesses not
the shibboleth whereunto she laid claim."

" Yet, wherefore should they, being Papists, come hither ?"
said Master No well. " I understand not the mystery that sur
rounds them."

"A circumstance in itself suspicious," said Endicott, *' where
fore needs an honest intent to hide its head ?"

" On the contrary, it is ever ready to show itself in the sun
light," said Master Nowell.

" Know you what is expected to be learned from the child *"
asked an Assistant, of Dudley.

" I surmise our Governor desires something further to quiet
his ever-anxious and doubting mind," answered Dudley.

<;I lack no light to form a judgment," said Endicott, "and a
further inquiry is supererogatory."

398 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Nevertheless," said Master Brad street, " there be some of us
on whom a clear light hath not yet shined. My charity strongly
inclines me to view this poor woman in a less unfavorable light
since she hath avowed herself not to be an idolater of Rome.'*

"Well saith the Scripture," exclaimed Dudley, "that charity
doth cover a multitude of sins. The rule is good in the exercise
of judgment in things pertaining to private concerns, but in pub
lic business it is naught. But your scruples, and those of Master
Winthrop, are likely soon to be satisfied, for here comes the little
Canaanite."

And as he spoke the door was opened, and the servitor ap
peared, bringing in the child.

" Where is the other Indian ?" inquired Ehdicott.

" He will be here incontinently, your worship," replied the
man. " As there was some delay in the needful preparation, I
did think it expedient not to keep your worships waiting, more
especially as it would not be becoming that ye should be put to
inconvenience for a heathen red skin."

" Reasoned like Aristoteles," said Dudley, laughing. " Give
me a man of thy humor, Hezekiah Negus, who rightly appre
hends the value of time, and the danger of keeping his superiors
dependent on his laziness."

" Bring hither the child," said Winthrop.

" The servitor, in obedience to the order, led the girl to the
Governor's seat, and placed her standing by his side.

"What is thy name, little one?" asked Winthrop, putting his
hand upon her head.

" Neebin," answered the girl, whose eyes, from the moment
of her entrance, had been scanning the company and the room
in that quiet, covert way, in which the Indian is wont to gratify
his curiosity while endeavoring to conceal it. At the same time,
if she felt fear, neither her voice nor manner betrayed it.

" Neebin !" repeated AVinthrop. " A very pretty name, and
hath a pretty meaning in English, I doubt not."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 399

The child, encouraged by the gentleness of his voice and looks,
and perhaps proud of showing her knowledge of the language of
the whites, answered :

': Neebin is summer."

"Darling Neebin," said Winthrop, whose countenance really
expressed an interest in the little Indian, " hast ever been taught
thy prayers ?"

" Neebin knows two prayers."

" Will she say them for me f>

The child crossed her arms upon her bosom, after having first
made the sign of the cross upon her brow, her lips, and breast ;
and then, letting fall the long, black lashes of her eye- lids, com
menced repeating the ' pater-noster." At the sign of the cross,
Dudley started ; but, as if recollecting himself, sunk back with a
groan. After finishing the pater-noster, the little girl began the
" Ave Maria ;" but this was more than the scandalized deputy
could endure.

* I may not," he cried, starting up, " listen without sin to this
idolatry. Better to smite "

" I pray thee to have a little patience," said Winthrop, inter
rupting him. " None of its guilt attaches itself to us."

" I know not that," replied Dudley. " I will not, like Naaman
the Syrian, bow myself down in the house of Rimmon, even al
though my master leaneth on my hand. I do bear my testimony
against these popish incantations.7'

The face of Winthrop flushed at the taunt conveyed, both in
the manner and in the language ; but, as his custom was, he
paused before replying, which gave opportunity to Endicott to
say:

" My teeth, also, as well as those of Master Dudley, are set on
edge ; and I think that any farther inquiry on this branch of the
subject may well be pretermitted/'

" In my judgment," said Sir Kichard Saltonstall, " it were well,

400 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

inasmuch as, though not partaking to the degree of their delicacy
of the scruples of the Deputy-Governor and of Master Endicott,
yet do I respect them, considering the fountain whence they flow.
I also highly approve of and thank the Governor for his judi
cious questions, whereby the truth hath been brought to light,
and what was a little dark before hath been made plain. But
the end being sufficiently attained, it were better, perhaps, not to
press in this way after further knowledge, seeing we neither need
nor desire it."

" I accede to your wishes, gentlemen," said Winthrop, " though
I hardly approve of this cutting short the answer of a witness.
Ye shall have, however, your will."

" What !" exclaimed Dudley ; " not when the answer is blas
phemous, or idolatrous, or otherwise impious f

" We will have no argument thereupon, Master Dudley," said
Winthrop. " Your desire is granted, and that, methinks, should
satisfy you."

The door now opened, and Sassacus entered between two sol
diers, clanking the fetters on his wrists as he moved. Alas !
confinement, though short, had not been without baleful effect on
the Sagamore. Not that he appeared cast down or humiliated ;
not that his gait was uncertain, or his bearing less proud ; but a
shadow, the shadow of a prison-house, encompassed him. The
iron was evidently beginning to enter his soul. The free denizen
of the boundless forest could no more live without liberty, than
flame without air. He was like an eagle struck down from his
home in the clouds,

" Sailing with supreme dominion,
Through the azure deep of air,"

to be chained upon a stump, and approached and gazed at by
every wayfarer. The imperial bird darts round the lightning of
his eyes, but he knows them to be innocuous, and his head droops
at the consciousness.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 401

" Remain where ye are," said an Assistant to the soldiers.
" The Governor is engaged at this moment."

" Can Neebin," said Winthrop. resuming his interrogatories,
" tell me where is Sir Christopher Gardiner ?"

" Flower of the forest and of the wild rushing stream," ex
claimed Sassacus, in his own language, " be to him as the rock
to which the wind whispers an idle tale."

" What says he ?" inquired the Assistants of one another, not
one of whom understood more than here and there a word."

" Let the chief keep silent," said Winthrop, addressing Sassa
cus. " He will soon have an opportunity to say what he will ;"
and he repeated the question.

But the little Indian showed herself no longer docile as be
fore, but to every question returned a stubborn silence.

" We have made a mistake in bringing in the chief," said an
Assistant. " She will not open her lips again. He hath said
something to frustrate our inquiries."

" Thou hast rightly divined," said Winthrop, after another
vain attempt to induce the child to speak. " And now what
shall be done ? for I hold it unmeet that she should be sent back
to the source whence, instead of the Gospel truth she should have
been taught, she hath sucked only error."

" That were indeed a deadly unkindness to the poor fawn,"
said Sir Richard, " seeing it would be imperiling her eternal sal
vation."

" Better," said Endicott, " that she should continue in a dark
ness penetrated only by the dim light of nature than be made a
victim of Roman superstition."

"If any one of ye, gentlemen, will take her in charge," said
Winthrop, " gladly will I resign the child into your hands ; but if
not, then will I receive her into mine own household, where, by
God's grace, the tares which the enemy hath sown may be eradi
cated."

17*

402 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN 1TELICE.

" No one manifesting a desire to accept the offer of Winthrop,
he ordered the child to be removed to his own house.

As the little girl on her way out of the apartment passed nigh
the chief, she stopped, and with childish impatience strove to
take the manacles from his arms. A sad smile crossed the face
of Sassacus at her vain attempt, and he said :

" They are the presents of Ovvanux. Neebin will not forget."

" Allow no farther speech between them," cried Winthrop, as
the Sagamore commenced saying something more. " Part them,
and take her instantly away."

" Waqua. or Sassacus, or whatever be thy name," said Win
throp, " wherefore, being at peace with my people, have you slain
two of my men."

The chief looked steadily at the questioner, but returned no
answer.

" We know," said the Governor, " that thou hast sufficient
knowledge of our tongue to make thyself intelligible, for thou
hast conversed with me. Speak, lest for thy refusal it should go
the harder with thee."

Thus addressed, Sassacus surveyed with an indignant look his
chains, and then stretching out one of his arms as far as his bonds
permitted, spoke in a bold tone several sentences in his own lan
guage in reply.

"The spirit of the old proverb," said an Assistant, "that one
may lead a horse to water, nathless it will be impossible to com
pel him to drink, applies, it seems, as well to Indians as to
horses."

" Why sit here to be scorned by this unbreeched heathen ?"
cried Dudley. " Away with him ! He was taken in the very
act, and can render no excuse for this devilish malignity."

" Under favor," said Sir Richard, " that were but a hasty con
clusion. It is only Christian mercy to labor with him a little
more."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 403

" It may be," said Winthrop, " that on an occasion so mo
mentous, he distrusts his ability worthily to defend himself in a
speech wherewith he is imperfectly acquainted. He must not
be condemned unheard. The flashes of nobility I have discovered
in. him did once prepossess me greatly in his favor, and, therefore,
if for nought else, would I be indulgent. But, besides, he is a
man whose blood is not to be spilled like a wild animal's,"

" Be it so," said Dudley. " If ye can make him speak, I will
promise to listen."

" Samoset is in the settlement, and may be instantly forth
coming," suggested Master Nowell.

"Let him then be called," said Winthrop.

But a short time elapsed before the messenger returned with
the Indian, Samoset, who, in consequence of his superior ac
quaintance with the English language, had often acted as inter
preter between his countrymen and the white strangers. This
knowledge he had acquired from his intercourse with the English
fishermen, before the wanderers who erected their tabernacle at
Shawmut arrived in the country. He was a quick, apprehensive
fellow, who, on account of the services he had rendered the colo
nists, stood high in their favor, and was treated with considerable
confidence. No sign of recognition passed betwixt him and Sas-
sacus on his entrance, but they regarded one another as strangers.
" We have called thee, Samoset," said Winthrop, " to inter
pret between us and this prisoner. Ask him if he acknowledges
himself to be the famous chief of the Pequots."

" Tell him," replied Sassacus, " that I am that eagle at whose
scream the Narraghansetts hide themselves like little birds in the
bushes."

" A bold answer," said Winthrop. " Ask him now, where
fore he hath been , lurking in the woods in the vicinity of our
lodges."

" The feet of Sassacus," answered the chief, " tread upon the

404 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

forest leaves at his pleasure. His ancestors never inquired of the
Taranteens nor of the Narragh an setts where they should hunt,
and he will not ask permission of the strangers with beards."

" Frank and defiant," muttered Endicott. " Come, I like this."

"The forests are very wide," said Winthrop, "and the game
is not so abundant in our immediate neighborhood. There must
be some more particular reason for thy conduct."

"Listen, O, white chief!" returned the Indian. "The path
whereon the tongue of Sassacus travels is a straight path. A
great chief disdains to tell a lie. Know then, that, for a long, long
time — our oldest men cannot recollect so far back, for they heard
the legend from their grandfathers, and they again from theirs —
it hath been told among us, that a race with a skin like the
snow should come to our land, with strange manners, and speak
ing a strange language ; and when I heard of Owanux, I came to
see whether they were the men, for it becomes a chief to watch
for his people."

" And what said the tradition," asked Winthrop, " should be
the fate of the two races?"

"Tell him not, O, Samoset! my friend, who hast eaten with
me from the same pot — that the legend, sadder than the wail of
warriors from an unsuccessful expedition over the dead ; than
the sobs of the wintry wind around the grave of my first-born —
that, like the cloud in the full moon, we were to waste away, and
the intruders to occupy our hunting grounds."

" He says," said Samoset, interpreting to suit the chief, " that
the Indians were to drive the strangers, as the wind whirls the
leaves into little heaps."

" There will be two words to that bargain," said Dudley. " I
trow it will take more than one Powah to make me believe such
a story."

"'* It is the inspiration of the devil, who is ever the father of
lies," observed Endicott. " Go to, with nonsense like this, but I
do admire the brave bearing of the savage."

THE KNIGHT OF TRE GOLDEN MELICE. 405

" Yet is it an unfortunate belief to prevail among the natives,"
said Master Bradstreet. " If extensively entertained, it may be
fraught with great peril."

UA cunning invention of the Powahs, no doubt, to sustain
the fainting courage of their deluded followers," said Sir Richard.

" Give me three hundred stout and well-armed fellows, trusting
in the Lord, and careful to keep their powder dry and bullets
ready, and I will so take the conceit out of their red-skins, from
the Kennebec to the mouth of the Connecticut, that they will
never tell this story again," said Endicott.

" Ask him," proceeded Winthrop, "if this Sir Christopher
Gardiner is his friend."

" Soog-u-gest is my brother," answered the Sagamore.

"Does he know the occasions of Soog-u-gest's frequent ab
sences from home ?"

" He hunted sometimes with Sassacus," was the answer.

" And what knows he of the woman ?"

" She is the sister of Soog-u-gest."

" Is she not his wife ?" demanded Dudley.

But Sassacus, merely shaking his head, made no reply.

" The proud savage disdains to answer your question, Master
Dudley," observed Endicott, with a smile.

" Nay," answered Dudley. " It is because he cannot deny it."

" We will see," said Winthrop ; and he put the question.

It was as Endicott (better acquainted from his longer residence
in the country than the others with the feelings of the natives)
had suggested, for now Sassacus spoke without hesitation.

" Soog-u-gest is the woman's brother. His wigwam is large.
The woman and Neebin, the little sister of Sassacus, live in one
part, and Soog-u-gest and his men in the other."

An expression of great astonishment was visible in the faces
of the members of the Council, as Sassacus avowed his relation
ship to the little girl, but nothing was said. The thoughtful

406 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

countenance of Winthrop became still more grave, and a moment
or two passed before he asked the next question.

" Why did Sassacus give away his own sister ?"

" He gave her not away. She was to remain to learn the
wisdom of the white man, as the little bird stays in the nest
until it is strong enough to fly."

Another pause ensued, for the reply of the Sagamore had fur
nished pregnant matter for thought, until the silence was broken
by the voice of Winthrop.

" Why did Sassacus attack my people, and kill two of my
men f '

" A superfluous question, after what we have heard," said Sir
Richard Saltonstall.

" Nevertheless, it is involved in the purpose for which the In
dian was brought before us, and he shall have the benefit of a
reply, Sir Richard," answered the Governor.

" Is it an earnest question the white chief asks," demanded
the Pequot chief. " Why does the bear attack the hunter who
has robbed her of her cubs ? Shall Sassacus love Neebin less
than a bear its cub ? Owanux burned the lodge of my friend.
They seized his sister and Neebin, and carried them away, and
their chief asks why Sassacus fought for his friends, and for the
daughter of many Sachems ! What white man ever before was
hurt by Sassacus ? Who ever came to his lodge, and he set
not a meal before him ? Who ever was tired, and Sassacus gave
him not a skin whereon to lay his limbs ? When the white chief
burns our lodges, and carries away captive our women and chil
dren in the dark, must Sassacus run with a bowl of succotash to
refresh him, after his great victory?"

" A shrewd retort withal, and, according to the law of nature,
and of the woods, an all-sufficient justification," said Sir Richard
Saltonstall, who had been opposed to the plan to capture the
Knight from the beginning.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 407

" And yet none other than I expected," said Winthrop, whose
generous design in allowing the chief to exculpate himself in his
own way was only now understood. " Gentlemen," he added,
desirous to take advantage of the favorable impression produced
by the Sagamore's reply, " what remains but to remand our pri
soner, unless it be your intention to discharge him in considera
tion of the provocation, and that he can hardly be said to be as
fully amenable to our laws as they who understand what these
laws are."

" I desire to express my hearty astonishment," exclaimed De
puty Dudley, " at the extraordinary proposition of the Governor.
The consequences which lie hid therein are horrible. Are our
friends, engaged in the execution of our orders, to be slaughtered
with impunity, and thus others to be encouraged to like atroci
ties f '

" Blood for blood," thundered Endicott. " If that of Abel
fell not to the ground unavenged, though the slayer knew no law,
save that written in his heart, to forbid the deed, so now may not
this savage escape. Besides, the example were impolitic, as hath
been already set forth."

Similar opinions were uttered by almost all of the Assistants,
being none other than were anticipated by the wily Governor,
who meant not what he said, but desired to mitigate the severer
counsels of his associates.

During these remarks, a conversation in a low tone had been
passing betwixt the Sagamore and Samoset.

" Has the heart of Samoset turned white ?" asked the Pequot.

" Samoset is an Indian," replied the interpreter, " and his
heart is red."

" Has he forgotten the time when, with Sassacus and his
Paniese, he drank of the Shetucket, where it bounds into the
river of the Pequots, when he was thirsty with driving the Narra-
ghansetts over the hills, like leaves chased by the wind *?"

408 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" Samoset has not forgotten."

" Does he powah with Owanux, or is he true to the faith of
his fathers ?"

" The feet of Samoset will chase the deer and the bear over the
happy hunting grounds, whither his fathers have gone. He
would not know what to do in the heaven of Owanux."

" Then is not Samoset my brother, and lies he not close to
the heart of Sassacus, as a pappoose nestles up to its mother1?"

" Samoset will do the bidding of the great Sagamore," said
the interpreter, anticipating what was to follow.

" Go then, my friend, my brother, terror of the Narraghansetts,
praise of the valiant Pequots, and find Soog-u-gest. Tell him
that the blood of Sassacus is running away, like water from an
overturned vessel, and that soon all will be spilled, unless he
comes to set up the vessel. Tell him to come quickly, and deli
ver the great Sagamore of the Pequots, and his sister, and the
young man with eyes like the sky."

" The feet of the blue eyes are free," said Samoset. " I saw
him only a little while ago."

" Good !" said the chief. " Then seek first my young friend, for
he loves Sassacus, ani tell him, and do what he says. But if
they cannot help, fly, like the swallow over the hills and streams,
to the hunting grounds of my tribe, and say to my people that
their Sachem is a wolf in a trap, and Neebin a slave to Owanux."

" What says he?" inquired Endicott, whose attention had been
attracted by the longer speech, and somewhat raised tone of the
Sagamore's voice.

"He says," answered Samoset, drawing readily on his inven
tion, " that a great Sachem ought not to be put into a box for
killing wolves who run into his wigwam."

A pleased expression lighted up the face of the captive chief
at the answer, which he perfectly understood, as indeed he had
much that had been spoken. His a^ oiding to use the English Ian-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 409

guage, as through ignorance, having had for him, at least, the
advantage of putting his examiners off their guard, and inducing
them to speak more freely in his hearing. The tone of Samoset's
voice, and the reply, satisfied the Pequot that he was secure of
the interpreter's fidelity, and he stretched out both his arms, as
though grasping his recovered liberty.

Endicott bent his brow at the reply, as a suspicion darted
through his jealous mind ; but the stolid mien of the Indian, who
bore the look as if he had been a statue carved out of the heart
of the cedars of his native hills, baffled his penetration.

"Why do I distrust him?" he murmured, under his thick
moustache. " Yet is distrust the mother of safety, and in our
situation a duty."

" Let him return now," said Winthrop, " and take order that
every comfort be supplied consistent with safe keeping. Noble
Sassacus," he added, " it grieves me that we meet and part thus."

The savage, who, through the whole interview, could not mis
take the favorable sentiments of Winthrop, answered as before,
in his own Pequot tongue.

" Sassacus understands the thoughts of chiefs, for he is one
himself. The voice of the long knife (alluding to the rapier
worn by Winthrop) is not so unpleasant to him as those of these
counsellors, and he hopes that what he is about to say
will be listened to as the words of a great Sagamore. Sassacus is
very tired of lying in a box, but not afraid to die. Let him de
part to his o vvn country, or if the white chief will kill, let him,
with his long knife, pierce the bosom of Sassacus, for the blood
of a chief should be shed by a chief."

" It may not be, noble savage," said Winthrop, mournfully.
" Such is not our custom. Yet be not cast down, but rely upon
our justice."

The withdrawal of the captives was a signal for the discussion
of what had been elicited by their examination. It had con-

410 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

firmed suspicions before entertained, and more than that, revealed
an intimacy betwixt the Knight and Pequots, a warlike and rest
less, though not numerous tribe, which filled the minds of the
Assistants with apprehension. If the influence of Sir Christopher
(whom not one doubted to be a Catholic) extended as far as they
suspected, he might make himself a formidable enemy. He had
been able to induce the chief of the Pequots to intrust to him his
own sister, to be taught the Catholic faith, doubtless intending to
make her conversion the means of extending among the tribes
the superstitions of Popery. The success of the plan was fraught
with danger to the colony, for the new religion would be a means
of reconciling the differences of the tribes, and binding them
together, in a common union with the Eastern Indians, already
much under the influence of the Romish priests. Favored se
cretly or openly by the French government, which they were sure
to be, and supplied with fire-arms, they might become too pow
erful to be resisted, and, reversing the campaign of the Israelites
in the wilderness, drive out those who had intruded into their
Canaan, only themselves to fall finally a prey to the French, and
to have one form of idolatry substituted for another. Sternly
frowned Dudley, and grimly stroked Endicott his tufted chin, as
they revolved such thoughts, and inly vowed, as they trusted in
the God of Jacob, that such things should not be. The conclu
sion to which the council came, was that the Pequot and the
woman should be detained in. custody until the Knight was taken,
whose capture they considered not difficult, and that then the
fate of the three should be decided.

As for Samoset, he sought Arundel at the earliest opportunity
when he could do so unnoticed, and acquainted him with the
message of the chief. With this coadjutor it was easy to estab
lish a communication with his friends in the forest, the conse
quences of which Will presently be seen.

CHAPTER XXXI.

The waithman goode of Silverwoode,

That bowman stout and hende,
In donjon gloom abides his doom —

God dele him gentil ende.

It breaks true herte to see him stert,

When as the small birds sing,
And then to hear his sighynges drere,

Whereas his fetters ring.

OLD BALLAD.

IN order to secure the person of the Knight of the Golden
Melice, several small parties were dispatched to scour the forest —
another object being to protect the remoter colonists against
wandering Taranteens, should any have the temerity to venture
near the settlement. A reward was offered to the Indians for
the apprehension of Sir Christopher — strict injunctions being
given that he should be taken alive. An increased vigilance
also was exercised over the rude prison wherein the captives were
confined — a soldier being kept constantly on guard before its en
trance.

On the plot in front the sentry was pacing his round on a night
which was dark and threatening. No rain had fallen, but the
clouds were constantly becoming denser, and it was plain that a
storm might soon be expected. With the wind rose also the
voice of the ocean, murmuring along the curving shores of the

412 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

bay, distinctly heard in the silence of the night by the solitary
soldier, whose thoughts it carried back to the sea-beaten island
he had left.

"An' my guns deceive me not," he said to himself, "it
should be past midnight. There is no moon, nor star, to be sure,
to tell by, but I have mounted guard before, and my feelings let
me know as surely as a dial what's the hour. Hark ! (as a
measured step was heard approaching) that must be Cowlson.
Stand," he cried, " and give the countersign !"

"Poh! Job Bloyce," answered a voice. "You know my
croak as well as your own ; but babes and sucklings must be
taught, and it is regular, so I will let you know lest you may
have forgotten — the sling of David."

" Always full of thy nonsense," said Bloyce. " But what
made thee so late ?"

" Late is it ? It can be but a matter of ten minutes past twelve,
and it takes a little while to rub one's eyes and get them open
after being called. Hast seen or heard anything on thy watch ?"

" Nothing. I had better have been in my warm bed and
asleep, considering the hoeing I must give my corn-field to-mor
row, than be watching a skeary Indian and a woman."

" Thou hast little need to trouble thy gizzard on that score,"
returned Cowlson ; " for, an' I mistake not greatly, the rain will
fall heavy enough to spoil 'thy chance at hoeing. It is blacker
than the darkness in Egypt. I cannot see the tip of thy nose."

" That is of no consequence. My nose is a white nose and no
Indian's, and I take it that it is for the copper skins you are to
watch."

" And they will be still harder to be seen. But I care not.
I am good for ten Indians any day, though I expect not that
they will venture to sneak into our streets, be it light or dark."

" Nevertheless, keep your eyes open, for thou mayest need
them ; so good night."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 413

" Good night, and shut thine own, so soon as Dame Bloyce will
permit thee."

The two knew not, so dark was the night, that a third person
stood so near to them that he had overheard the whole of their
dialogue. Soon after the departure of the first sentinel, his suc
cessor, Cowlson, seemed to consider it of very little importance
to make his rounds with much diligence, and to be more intent on
protecting himself from the rain, which began to fall, than to
perform his duty. He, therefore, after a few turns, ensconced
himself as comfortably as possible on the lee side of the building
during the violence of the storm, taking advantage of occasional
intermissions to resume his walk. The stranger waited until the
little vigilance of the sentinel was relaxed, and, noting exactly
the place where he had bestowed himself, stole noiselessly back
to a group of three or four persons. Here a whispered conver
sation was carried on until the rain began to pour more violently,
when, as if they thought it a favorable moment for their enter
prise, the whole party began to move forward in Indian file —
that is to say, following one another in a line — led by the man
who had overheard the conversation of the soldiers. Such was
the noise made by the falling drops, and so dark the night, that
they had approached close to the sentry before he became aware
of any one's presence. An accidental slipping of one of the
men betrayed them, and, presenting his piece, he demanded the
countersign.

" The sling of David," was the reply, and the sentry dropped
the breech of the musket on the earth. He had hardly done so
before he was violently seized. A strong hand grasped his throat ;
another was applied to his mouth ; his piece was wrested from
him, and, disarmed and unable to utter a cry, he was hurled to
the ground. His hands and feet were then bound ; a gag inserted
into his mouth ; his coat taken off and muffled around his head to
stifle the least sound, and he was then removed to a little distance

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

behind the building, and one left to guard him and give notice of
any approach. The rest of the party next proceeded to the door
of the cabin occupied by the jailer Bars. A light was burning
inside, but it was impossible, through the oiled paper, to see any
thing within. He who appeared to be the leader, having disposed
his men on each side of the door, rapped upon it. No answer
was returned, and it was not until after repeated rappings, and
the patience of the strangers was becoming exhausted, and they
had begun to consult respecting bursting open the door, when
some one was heard moving and growling at the disturbance of
his slumbers.

" Who is there f" he demanded, impatiently.

A low voice from the outside now entreated to be let in, for a
moment, out of the rain.

" Nay," returned Bars. " You put no foot into my house, at this
time of night, without the countersign."

"The sling of David," replied the voice.

" All right," said Bars, beginning to unbar the door. " But
what do you" —

He was unable to finish the sentence, for, as soon as the
door turned on its hinges, a rush was made by those on the out
side, and poor Bars, half clothed, rudely upset on the floor.
" Murder," he undertook to cry, but his throat was choked when
ever he attempted to make a sound, and he was soon disposed of
in like manner as the sentinel, and thrust into a corner, after
having discovered that his assailants were Indians. All this,
with however little noise accomplished, could not be done without
disturbing Dame Bars, who, from the closet where she slept, in
quired what was the matter. One of the party thereupon gliding
over the floor with moccasoned feet, presented himself with finger
on lip before her. Terror benumbed the tongue of the poor
woman at the sight, and the cry she strove to utter died in her
throat. By smiles and gestures the Indian endeavored to satisfy

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 415

her that no injury was designed, and then, as if to confirm
his peaceable intentions, retired, drawing the door after him ;
and frightened, though in some slight degree re-assured, the
dame employed the respite in clothing herself in her day-ap
parel.

Meanwhile, one of the Indians, who had found two or three
large keys tied together, had taken them from the peg where they
hung and proceeded to the prison. His actions evinced a strange
familiarity with the place. He advanced straight to the prison
door, and, fitting the key, presently stood in the narrow passage
which ran round the two cells into which the central part was
divided. Only one of these was locked. Opening it, he called,
in a low tone — " Sassacus."

"Who wants Sassacus 1" asked the chief in his own lan
guage out of the darkness, for the stranger had come without
a light.

" I do not understand your gibberish," answered the other.
" Know you not Philip's voice J?"

" Thou hast come to place the feet of Sassacus on the forest
leaves. Quick ! O good white man ! and free him," cried the
impatient chief.

Philip, guided by the sounds, bent down, and feeling for the
shackles which confined the legs of the captive, soon unfastened
them, and the liberated Sagamore stretched out with delight his
cramped limbs. " Sassacus," he said, " shall see again the
pleasant river of the Pequots, and he will deliver Neebin from
the robbers." Then following Joy, the two entered, noiselessly,
the cabin of the jailer.

During the absence of Joy, a scene of a different kind had
been passing. The Lady Geraldine, aroused by the sounds, had
left her couch, and appeared among the intruders. She man
ifested no fear at sight of the Indians, (for what had she to
dread from those who had always shown her kindness f) and

416 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

when one of them glided to her side, she strove not to avoid
him.

" Celestina !" said a well-known voice in her ear, " hasten to
accompany me from this wretched den, and the tyranny of your
oppressors."

She started at the first sound, but quickly recovering herself,
replied, in a tone as low :

" Of what avail ? My usefulness here is ended. I will give
place to another, and Heaven will employ me somewhere
else."

" Be it so," said the Knight ; " yet fly, for the sake of thy
liberty, perhaps of thy life."

" I fear not for my life," she added ; " and as for my liberty, I
cannot long be deprived of it."

" Time flies ! What madness is this? I have risked my life
to rescue thee, and now dost thou reject my service ?"

" I cannot fly with thee. Better to die."

" What strange language do I hear ? What mean you ? Ex
plain quickly, for our time is short."

" I have no explanation, except that I will not go. The here
tics may rage, but the virgin will protect me."

" O, listen !" urged the Knight. " You shall be delivered from
this atrocious persecution. I will take thee to the French set
tlements, where thou wilt be secure, and mistress of thine own
movements."

" And thereby seem to admit the truth of all wherewith we
are charged. That were in some sort a betrayal of our trust,
and what neither thou nor I may do."

" Call you the preservation of our liberty and lives a betrayal
of trust ? Celestina, grief hath crazed thy brain."

" Nay, Sir Christopher, I have thought over all these things,
and the virgin inspires my determination. I will do nought to
confirm a suspicion already entertained, that we are Catholics,

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 417

which would be turned into certainty, were we to take refuge
among our French neighbors. Thus should we make the task
more difficult for the successors who must take our places, since
we have been found unworthy."

" Then we will remain among the Indians, if that please thee
better."

" To bring trouble upon them for their hospitality ; to cause
them to be hunted on our account, like wild beasts. Thy
generosity would disdain safety purchased by another's suf
fering."

" We will go to some distant tribe. Anything is better than
to remain in the hands of these pitiless fanatics."

" I dread them not," answered Sister Celestina, loftily. " The
talisman of the true faith will preserve me."

" Is, then, thy resolution fixed beyond change ? Will no
prayers, no entreaties change thee?"

" It is better thus : the poor Sister Celestina knows how to
suffer and to die, but not how to desert the post entrusted to her
by her superiors."

At this moment Joy and Sassacus entered, and the former,
approaching the Knight, informed him that all was ready for
a start.

"I am ready," said the Knight. "Yet, once again, before I
hasten away, O, Celestina, come ! I cannot bear to leave thee
with these men with natures rougher than the savage."

" If I were to tell thee all," she said, moved by his importuni
ties, " thou thyself wouldst bid me remain. Noble gentleman !
unfortunate and slandered Knight, save thyself from thine ene
mies. Hasten away ; there is danger in every moment's delay.
Whatever may become of me, no fault is thine."

She took his hand in hers, and as she pressed it to her lips, the
Knight felt a tear trickling over its surface.

" Farewell, then," he said, " since it must be so ; but I

18

418 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

will hover near to assist thee, shouldst thou change thy reso
lution."

He turned away, greeted the Sagamore, and, with his fol
lowers, began to leave the cabin. As he passed the jailer, he
stooped, and, removing the gag from his mouth, looked at him
steadily an instant, and then placed two broad gold pieces on the
floor before him.

The lady pursued with her eyes the retreating figures till swal
lowed up by the darkness. " I will bear my cross as I may,"
she said to herself, "for I deserve it for all my unhappy suspi
cions of his generous nature^ But I will do nothing which
may give further color to the malignant charge devised by the
justly-slain Spikeman, and taken up by his associates. An
escape with him were sure to do that. The tongue of calumny
would wag, and the finger of scorn be universally pointed at me,
and all would cry, ' aha ! we said it.' Such triumph shall not
mine enemies have over me."

Her meditations were interrupted by Bars, who now begged
her to release him from bondage, or call his wife to do the
friendly office for him.

" I desire to take you to witness," said the lady, " that, though
flight was in my power, I have not availed myself of the oppor
tunity. Say that to my oppressors, to increase the guilt of their
cruelty."

" I will say what you please," answered Bars, peevishly, " an'
you will untie me."

" I will do so, if you promise to make no hue and cry."

" What should I want of tramping after* Indians in the dark,
and perhaps catch an arrow in my paunch for my pains ?"
groaned the jailer ; " though I have some notions of my own
about the Indian part of the business."

" Trusting thy promise, I will [relieve" thee from thy bonds,"
said the lady, cutting the cords.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 419

" I made no promise," said Bars, as soon as lie was set at
liberty, " though I will behave as if I had. These be brave In
dians," he said to himself, slyly taking up the gold, " and pay
handsomely for their right to be considered such. An' it be thy
pleasure that it should be so," he added aloud, " these golden In
dians shall remain Indians till the day of judgment, for all
Bars "

Dame Bars, now, from her nook, made her appearance on the
scene.

" O, Sam !" she exclaimed, " be they gone, and have not they
scalped you T'

" You can look for yourself, wife," answered Sam, passing his
fingers through his shock of hair, as if to satisfy any doubts
of his own. " But what should they want with my scalp, I
wonder."

" I am sure I can't tell what they do with such things," said
the dame, " unless to cover their own heads when they get
bald."

" A pretty figure," grunted Bars, " my red crop would make
on the top of one of them salvages. It never will come to that,
goody. But I must not stay here talking about scalps, when,
perhaps, the poor sentinel may have lost his." And he started
toward the door.

" O do not go, do not go, Sam !" said his wife, throwing her arms
around him ; " they may be watching for fhee on the outside."

" Women be always cowards," said the jailer ; " but thou need
not hug me so tight now. I warrant, having got what they
wanted, they are in the woods before this time."

"Yet stay a little longer," persisted his wife. "If the poor
soldier be murdered, thou canst do him no good."

" You forget, goody, that I am a public officer, and must do
my duty," said Sam, extricating himself from her grasp ; and ,
lighting a lantern, he went out of doors.

420 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

Bars directed his course straight to the door of the prison5
which he found open.

"It is as I expected," he thought. " There is no use in going
in. The Indian's long legs are loping far away in the forest, be
sure. Cowlson ! friend Cowlson !" he asked, " art thou dead,
or only scalped ?"

He listened for an answer, but none was returned. Pro
ceeding round the little building, he soon found what he sought —
the soldier, tied by the neck and heels, in a most uncomfortable
posture, and soaked with the rain.

" Humph !" ejaculated Bars ; " these salvages be learning civi
lization fast. An' I had done it myself, I could not have tied
the knot with more judgment."

The soldier (to add to whose misfortunes, his musket was gone,
together with the powder and ball wherewith he had been fur
nished) felt in no talking humor, and sulkily followed the jailer
into the house, where he recovered his speech, and recounted his
portion of the adventures of the night. Bars pretended to believe
that the party consisted entirely of Indians ; of which, however,
Cowlson could by no means be persuaded ; "for how," asked he,
" could they learn our countersign ?"

" They be cunning vermin," said Bars. " But now, that I
recollect, methinks that when they deceived me it sounded a little
heathenish."

" Then, why did you admit them *?" demanded Cowlson.

" A fine question for you to ask, Jim Cowlson. An' I had
not, the chance is they would have bowled you off with them, as
a hostage for the sachem, and like as not burned us up besides.
But the fact is, I was half asleep. An' I had been wide awake,
perhaps I would have discovered the trick. And who would
have guessed that Indians knew anything about countersigns ?
I wonder how they found it out."

" I must report this night's work forthwith," said Cowlson,

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 421

rising ; " but I had almost as lief have lost my scalp as my
musket."

The disconsolate soldier accordingly wended on his way, to tell
the best story he could to save himself from blame ; while Bars,
after relocking his empty prison, and barring his door, snuggled
himself alongside his partner to busy his rather obtuse brain
with schemes of a like nature on his own behalf.

CHAPTER XXXII.

*' This monument shall utter of the past
It hath no tongue ; and yet Demosthenes,
Or Roman Tully, never stirred the breasts
Of gaping citizens with subtler speech,
Than shall this pile of stones the wayfarers.
Who pass this way."

ANONYMOUS.

WHILE with rapid steps through the tempestuous night the
retiring party were seeking the forest, one of them, the only one
in the dress of the whites, and who for that reason had not ven
tured into the cabin of the jailer, but had kept watch on the
outside, approaching Sassacus, said :

" Let the feet of the chief be swift, for many warriors will be
after him with the morning light."

" My brother !" said the delighted Sagamore, recognizing the
voice of Arundel. " Let not my brother be afraid. The forest
loves Sassacus, and tells him all its secrets."

" Yet remain not here, my friend, my Sassacus, nor be troubled
about Neebin. I will take care of her, and she shall be restored
to thee."

" Sassacus trusts his young white brother," said the Indian.
" He hears Neebin singing by the river of the Peqwots."

" We part here, and perhaps forever," said Arundel. " Fare
well, Sagamore. A nobler heart than thine never beat in savage
or Christian bosom. I will never forget you." ,

424 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

He wrung the hand of the chief, and, turning, was instantly
lost in the darkness.

The occasion permitted no further words, and, as the two
separated, it was with a glow of pleasure on the part of each.
Arundel reflected with satisfaction on the success of his enter
prise, and the Sagamore's enjoyment of his recovered freedom
was heightened by the thought that he had been remembered by
one who had so much attracted him. The young man succeeded
in reaching his quarters without being discovered, and we now
leave him, to accompany those with whom he had been associated.

So well had their measures been taken, and with such good
fortune executed, that they were already deep in the woods be
fore the settlement was aroused by the alarm given by the
sentinel.

" They may make as much noise as they choose, for their own
pleasure," said Philip, laughing, as the report of the culverins,
which startled the colonists from their sleep, were heard ; " but it
is only a useless pother, and a vain rubbing of drowsy eyes. I
should like to see how valiant Captain Endicott will look, when
he finds that the bird has flown."

" In thy present habiliments of a savage ?" said the Knight.

" Nay," answered the soldier. " I care not to be seen naked,
and stained up like an Aberginian. I was half ashamed of my
self, especially before the lady, though there was not much
light."

" It were well," "said the Knight, " to cast our slough before
we chance to be seen by Indians, notwithstanding they may be
friendly. We must retire deep, too, into the forest, for I mistake
much the character of Winthrop and his council, if desperate
means be not adopted to avenge the doings of this night."

This indeed appeared to be the opinion of all, to judge from the
haste with which they pushed steadily on, resting not until they
had reached the wigwam of the chief whereto Spikeman had

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 425

been taken. Here, the first care of the white men was to wash
off the paint from their persons, not without a half-jesting objec
tion from the Sagamore.

" The two friends of Sassacus," he said, "have Indian hearts;
why should they not keep their Indian skins ? Let them come
with me, and they shall become great sachems over the tribes
that listen to the voice of the little salt lake."

Philip, who was in high spirits at the success of their enter
prise, and whose philosophy enabled him always to enjoy the
present moment, was ready with an answer.

" A tempting offer," he said ; " and, by the head of King
Charles, (his favorite oath), better, I trow, than this hand-to-
mouth life we have lately been leading. Plenty of bear's meat
and venison, and no prisons, Sagamore ! Verily, thy words are
pleasant."

" The deer shall come to lick the hands of my brothers, and
the bear offer his steaks, and they will be as free as the wind on
the tops of the hills. They shall also have many squaws, and
young wives shall smile on them when the old are wrinkled and
cross."

" Ha ! ha !" laughed Philip. " I misdoubt whether that would
suit all round. But, Sagamore, if I should ever have the luck to
get a nice white squaw, I will ask her opinion ; and if she
fancies the plan of my having half a dozen wives, I will con
sider it."

" A truce to this trifling," said Sir Christopher. " It is all
sport with thee, Philip, but dost not remark it begins to be ear
nest with the chief?"

" He is quick-witted enough to understand," answered Joy.
" Why, Sir Christopher, these salvages laugh so seldom, that they
ought to be encouraged when they begin. I fear me that the
long faces of the folk at the settlement are catching, and that
the poor Indians are more than half spoiled already. Now, ac-

18*

426 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN" MELICE.

cording to my judgment, it is a human privilege to laugh. Some
say, to be sure, that dogs and horses laugh, but I never heard
anything that amounted to more than a snicker, and that I sup
pose they caught from being with people."

" Sassacus," said the Knight, " this is no longer any place for
thee. The white men are at this moment seeking me, and will
soon be also on thy track, and show no mercy. The voices of
thy tribe are shouting thy name through the forest, and calling
thee home. Here and now we part."

" Sassacus is troubled," replied the Sagamore, " about his
little sister. How shall he answer his mother, when she asks
after Neebin ?"

" Neebin is in no danger," said the Knight ; " and though she
were, thy remaining could do no good. But I will stay, and if
artifice can avail — for force we have none — Neebin shall be re
stored to her mother."

" My brother speaks well," said the Sagamore, having thus
secured another guardian for the sister whom he tenderly
loved. " He shall stay, but Sassacus will return to the river
of the Pequots, and will speak a loud word in the ears of
his tribe, and they shall fill their quivers with arrows, and
sharpen their tomahawks, and many will come back with him
to ask for Neebin. Sassacus will go alone, and will leave Tow-
anquattick."

"Leave not the Paniese behind," said the Knight. "That
were only to expose him to unnecessary danger."

But the chief was not be diverted from his purpose. To every
objection he replied : " A great chief takes not back the word
he has spoken. Were he to do so, what would become of the
respect of his people ?"

Yet, notwithstanding the peremptory tone wherewith he had
announced his determination, very soft was the voice, and gentle
the manner of the Sagamore, as he addressed his follower :

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELTCE. 427,

" Towanquattick," he said, "is my friend, and will watch
over the little Pequot bird that has strayed into the trap of
Owanux."

"Towanquattick will watch," was the answer.

" Stay to teach the little bird to fly away, or until I return
with my warriors. Sassacus goes now like a brook just starting
from the ground ; but he will come back like a mighty river
when angry 'Hpoon pours its swollen waters into the salt lake.
Sassacus hath said."

The words were pronounced with a dignity and gravity that
impressed those who heard them, and seemed to communicate
some of the daring of the speaker ; but the wiser Knight saw the
rashness of their import, and determined to convince the Saga
more of the impolicy of the course proposed. Taking him for
that purpose on one side, that the chief might speak uninfluenced
by the presence of his follower, he represented to him the supe
rior strength of the English, and the impossibility of prevailing
in any contest until a complete union was established among the
tribes.^

"Behold!" he said: "these strangers are as one man, and
across the salt lake come in ships from time to time fresh forces.
They are clad in armor thy arrows" cannotjpierce, and wield the
thunder and the lightning. What have the Pequots to oppose,
but naked bodies and uncertain arrows ?"

" Owanux are few, and the Indians many," replied the Saga
more. " Sassacus will bury the tomahawk with the Narraghan-
setts, and exchange wampompeag with the Taranteens, and they
unite against the strangers. The eyes of Sassacus are opened.
There can be no peace with Owanux."

" Good!" answered the Knight, whose apprehensions, lest plans
which he cherished might be defeated by the precipitancy of the
chief, were quieted by the answer, knowing that the pacification

428 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

of the tribes among themselves was no easy matter, and would
require time. " Good ! the eyes of the Sagamore are sharp. He
is wise when he says that he will do nothing until he has made
friends with the Narraghansetts and the Taranteens. Farewell,
then, and be that the compact between us."

The chief now turned away, and, calling Towanquattick, the
two began to dig a hole in the ground with pointed sticks. The
white men looked on in silence, rightly judging it to be some
ceremony, and waiting for its explanation. After a cavity of a
foot in depth, and about the same diameter was dug, the Indians
ceased their labor, and the chief answered the wondering eyes of
his friends.

" This hole," he said, " shall tell all Indians who see it of the
captivity of Sassacus, and of the white men, his deliverers."

" I never heard before of a hole talking," said Joy.

" It will talk," said the chief. " When Sassacus passes by
with his Paniese he will tell them that here was a great
parting, and Towanquattick will do so also, and they shall tell it
it to their children, and so the tale shall run, as the waters of a
spring follow one another until they become a lake. So the hole
shall speak, long after I have departed with my friends for the
happy hunting grounds. Hole!" he added, addressing it as if it
were capable of understanding what he said, " Sassacus is sad
because he leaves Neebin behind, but say thou not that. Say to
all who behold thee, that Soog-u-gest and Sassacus were friends ;
say that when Owanux put Sassacus into a box, Soog-u-gest and
two other white men, and Towanquattick, let him out ; say that
Soog-u-gest and the other white men, and Towanquattick, re
main to watch that no harm shall happen to Neebin, whom
Owanux have made a prisoner ; and say that Sassacus has gone
after his warriors. This is enough for thee, O hole, to remember.
Forget not lest thou be ashamed."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 420

While the Pequot chief was speaking, the Paniese paid the
strictest attention, evidently striving to fasten the speech in
his memory. It was a custom common among the natives,
though witnessed by the Knight and Jov for the first time,
whereby, on the same principle that more civilized communities
erect monuments to perpetuate the memory of events, the In
dians transmitted to posterity matters of interest. The hole
was usually dug either by the side of some traveled path or
on the spot where the event desired to be commemorated
took place. They who passed by naturally inquired into its
meaning, and the facts, known to few at first, became of public
notoriety.

When the ceremony was completed, the Sagamore of the Pe-
quots, as if unwilling by further words to confuse the record,
turned away in silence, and took his solitary way through the
forest, to seek the seat of his tribe.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Deserted at his utmost need
By those his former bounty fed,
On the bare earth, exposed, he lies.

DRTDIN

THE colonists were exasperated at the breaking of the prison,
Justly concluding that it was not entirely the work of Indians,
notwithstanding Bars, faithful to the impression made on him by
the gold pieces, stoutly maintained such to be the fact ; and that
Cowlson was unable to contradict him. But it was, after all,
only suspicion— a suspicion, too, that pointed at various persons.
While some, with a lucky sagacity, ascribed the violence done
their authority to the Knight, as a leader ; there were those who
suspected others, of whom they would gladly be rid. For, how
ever desirous the great bulk of the colonists were that only they
of their own moral habits and modes of thinking should be con
nected with their enterprise, it was impossible completely to
exclude the obnoxious. Some would creep in, and the colony
resembled a draught of fishes from the rivers in the spring, when
the schools are running ; wherein, although the great majority
are shad or salmon, occasional intruders of other scales and
stripes are found. This little minority were watched with Argus
eyes — every transgression being visited with exemplary punish
ment — the hand of Justice being made heavier by two consider-

432 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

ations, viz : difference of opinion, and a desire to drive away
recusants, who were regarded as vessels doomed to destruction,
and whose presence was held to be dangerous. That was no era
of toleration, but of fierce, intractable dogma. The breach be
twixt Protestants then was almost, if not quite, as wide as between
Protestants and Catholics now. Opinion, bold, enthusiastic
opinion, calling itself by the gracious name of saving faith,
usurped the place and prerogative of reason ; and, as from a
Papal chair, denounced, as damnable error, whatever harmonized
not with itself. In this strife of ignorances, the amenities and
charities of life were lost sight of and forgotten ; and, if not quite
trampled out of existence, it was owing more to that celestial
spark which, with a dimmer or a brighter light, guides every
man who comes into the world than to the lessons of the teachers.
Men were dismissed from the colony, or otherwise punished, on
bare suspicion of wrong-doing or wrong-thinking. Nor is it un
likely that hostility in high places may have availed itself of this
laxity of law to gratify private malignity.

Hence, let it not be wondered at, that, in consequence of the
prison breach, several innocent persons were arrested, whose
modes of life or principles of faith came not up to the orthodox
standard. If their apprehension answered no other purpose, it,
at least, served to weaken the desire of the suspected persons to
remain where they were not wanted.

Hitherto the magistrates had been foiled, but failure only in
creased their vigilance and activity. Additional men were des
patched to scour the woods ; word was sent to Salem and to
Plymouth, and co-operation to capture the fugitives asked for ; re
wards were offered for their seizure ; and, in fine, no means omitted
which indomitable will and ingenuity could devise. So hot, at
length, became the chase, that, familiar as they were with the
woods, Sir Christopher and his companions found it difficult to
avoid capture. They had it, indeed, in their power to place them-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 433

selves in comparative safety, either by following the steps of the
Pequot chief, or seeking the Taranteens — for to the west they dared
not go, for fear of the tribes in that direction, who were at feud with
those on the Atlantic border — but various considerations inter
fered to prevent. With neither Sir Christopher nor the Indian
was mere personal safety a ruling motive. The former had not
abandoned all hope of changing the strange resolution of Sister
Celestina, with whom he determined, on accomplishing her release,
to proceed with Neebin to the country of the Pequots — in this
way only transferring their labors to another place — and with
the latter, the charge wherewith he was entrusted was too sacred
for any cause to be neglected. Flying from their posts, even
though bands of enemies were after them, was therefore not to be
thought of. As for Philip, his wild, reckless nature took pleasure
in their adventurous mode of life ; satisfied, besides, that were
he even made prisoner, no serious punishment could befall him,
unless his participation in the prison-breach became known,
which, he confided too much in the fidelity of his associates to
believe was possible. Seldom daring, therefore, to discharge
their fire-locks, but depending principally on the arrows of the
Indian, and snares they set for subsistence, occasionally aided by
the friendly natives with whom the Knight was a favorite, and
constantly changing their places, the three continued to elude
the search, and the baffled soldiers were obliged to return, digest
ing their disappointment as they might, and asserting that those
whom they sought had left the neighborhood. To make assur
ance sure and to stimulate the Indians to exertions, which the
magistrates were certain had never been made, higher rewards
were offered for the capture of Sir Christopher in particular,
which, it was supposed, the cupidity of the natives would be un
able to resist.

Among the Indians trusted by Sir Christopher, none had con
trived to secure a greater share of his confidence than Quecheco,

434 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the frequent and favored companion of his hunts. The skill of
the Indian in hunting had, at first, recommended him to the
Knight, and afterwards, the interest of the latter in his protege
was increased by the attention with which Quecheco listened to
instruction and by the intelligence of his questions. Hitherto
he had always been found faithful, in consequence whereof the
haunts of the outlyers were not concealed from him, and he was
employed to procure information from the English settlements,
and depended on, generally, as a confederate. Quecheco was
not without affection ; in proof whereof, he had withstood the
bribe at first offered for the capture of Sir Christopher, but his
feeble virtue finally succumbed. There was one temptation
which he was unable to withstand. He had frequently been a
witness of the effectiveness of the gun in the hands of the Knight,
and, with a hunter's love, conceived a longing to possess one.
This was no easy matter to be accomplished, furnishing guns to
Indians being strictly prohibited, and such weapons taken away
whenever found in their possession. Quecheco now thought he
saw an opportunity of gratifying a desire that had become a
mania, and determined that a gun should be the price of his
friend's liberty.

With this view, at one of his visits to Plymouth, or Accomac,
he sought Governor Bradford, with whom he was acquainted,
and proposed to deliver the Knight into his hands, in considera
tion of the coveted gun and a certain quantity of powder and
ball. Much as was desired the capture of Sir Christopher, Brad
ford hesitated, but finally promised the bribe, stipulating for the
life of the Knight, considering that the rule might bear infringe
ment in a single instance, for the sake of the object to be at
tained; and from that moment Quecheco begun his work of
treachery.

In consequence of the activity of the search, the fugitives had
been obliged not only often to change their hiding-place, but

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 435

sometimes to remove to a considerable distance from Boston.
One of their favorite resorts was near Plymouth, both because
they were less likely to be suspected to lurk in a vicinity where
the Knight had no acquaintances, and also on account of a
greater abundance of game. Here the two white men often
remained without Towanquattick, who, less liable to discov
ery, hovered around the spot where was the sister of his Saga
more.

Such being the state of things, Quecheco selected the neigh
borhood of Plymouth (on account of the absence of Towanquat
tick, betwixt whom and himself a feeling of mutual dislike
existed, caused in his jealous mind by the favor which the Knight
had lately shown the Pequot, and which he esteemed a derogation
of his rights) as the theatre of his plot, and here we find Sir
Christopher at this moment.

" Our larder is exhausted, Philip," said the Knight one morn
ing, " and must be replenished. Shall we try our fortune
together ?"

" I am always ready," answered Philip. " It is two days since
I stretched my legs, and, by my halidome, I shall forget how to
use them, without more practice."

"Methinks," replied the Knight, smiling, "it is less than a
week since I saw legs much resembling thine moving with mar
vellous celerity."

" When this copper-hide here showed us Venn's band, within
a hundred yards of the old wigwam, right under Winthrop's
nose, in the swamp. Aye, it was high time to be moving ; but it
was unkind of Venn to burn our quarters, seeing that I had been
a sergeant in his company."

" Quecheco, my line fellow," said Sir Christopher, " thou
didst us a service on that day not to be forgotten, and now we
must look to thee for another. Where shall we hunt ?"

" Let Soog-u-gest and Quecheco go a little towards Accomack,

436 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

where I saw yesterday some deer, and the sanop toward the set
ting sun," answered the Indian.

" Go thou with Philip, and I will take my chance alone,"
said the Knight.

" The chief must not go alone," said the Indian. " Quecheco
will go to carry the deer which Soog-u-gest will shoot."

" A sensible Indian," said Philip. " Take him with you, Sir
Christopher. For my part, I do not want his copper skin
gliding like a snake among the bushes ; and, Sir Christopher,
look sharp, and see if I bring not back as much game as you and
your friend."

"I accept the challenge," said the Knight, good-humoredly,
" and will take him, since you prefer to go alone."

" I will none of him. He is thy valley-doo-doo — a murrain on
mounseer for his hard words ; and why a waiting-man should be
called a valley, more than a mountain, or a river, doth pass my
understanding."

" An interesting mystery. Yet is its solution unnecessary at
the present. Get thy bow and quiver, Quecheco, and we will
see by evening how Philip's boastings will turn out."

" And, hark ye, red-skin," cried the soldier, " take care that
thou bring back Soog-u-gest, as thou callest Sir Christopher, safe,
and with a good appetite to eat my game."

In spite of his habitual self-possession, the Indian started. A
guilty conscience began already to affright him, and for an instant
he fancied his purpose detected.

" What ails thee ?" asked the Knight, regarding him with a
quick, keen glance.

" Quecheco hurt his foot," answered the Indian, with a limp,
and bending down to hide his face from the sharp eyes.

" Poor fellow, then, remain behind, and we will hunt for thee,
who hast done so often for us."

" Quah !" exclaimed the Indian, with a gesture of disdain. " It

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 437

is nothing. See, Quecheco can run like a deer." And with
that he sprung round with great agility, as if to make good hia
words.

" Enough," said the Knight ; " reserve thy breath until it is
wanted."

The course taken by the two was toward the south, as recom
mended by the savage, in order to find the herd which he said he
had seen the day before.

" Why, then, brought you back no venison ?" asked the
Knight.

" The deer was quicker than the arrow of Quecheco," re
turned the Indian ; " but he will not escape," he added, looking
with admiring eyes at Sir Christopher's gun, " the round stone
which Soog-u-gest will throw at him."

" I have often seen thee," said the Knight, " gaze at my piece
with such eyes as the sight of thy squaw, after long absence,
might kindle up. Were it not sure to be thy ruin, I could find it
in my heart to give it thee."

The eyes of Quecheco flashed. " Give me the stick," he cried,
"that makes a loud noise, and Quecheco will do a great thing."

'* I have done wrong," thought the Knight, " in raising his
expectations. Nay, Quecheco," he said, "it would be taken
away from thee by the white men, and who would sell thee
powder and ball ?"

" Nin-e-yi-u wa-wee," (it is well,) said the Indian. " Soog-u-
gest flies so high that he sees a great way, and Quecheco spoke
like a pappoose. What has he to do with guns ?"

The gift of the gun would have diverted the savage from his
purpose, by awakening the affection which covetousness had put
to sleep, and probably altered the fate of Sir Christopher and
himself ; but the answer of the Knight dispelled the hope that
for a single instant warmed the heart of Quecheco with better
feeling, and he persisted in his original design.

488 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

They had walked several miles without seeing any game of
importance, or such as was thought worthy of other attention
than the arrows of the Indian, before they reached the spot indi
cated by him as where he had marked the deer the day previous.
It was a falsehood invented by Quecheco, and great was his
astonishment, on approaching, to behold a herd of a dozen of
these timid creatures.

frC It was a sort of lawn, of six or seven acres in extent, with a
few trees scattered over it, where they were feeding. The shape
of the ground was an irregular oblong, in some places not more
than a hundred yards across, and in others of double the dis
tance, being like a basin, at a depression of twenty or thirty feet
below where the Knight stood, concealed by trees and bushes.
At the bottom flowed a small, rapid stream, perhaps three rods
wide, interposing itself betwixt him and the herd. Sir Christo
pher had visited the locality before, and was familiar with its
features ; and expecting game, from the story of Quecheco, had
taken care to approach with the wind in his face, to avoid the
scent of his person being carried to the delicate nostrils of the
animals while he stepped noiselessly along. The Indian, in
order the better to carry out his meditated deceit, had been imi
tating the Knight's conduct, and on the discovery of the deer, his
hunter's instinct induced him to continue what his hypocrisy had
begun. Selecting the finest buck from the herd, Sir Christopher
levelled his piece and fired. A single instant stood, with erected
heads, the beautiful creatures, as if stupefied with astonishment,
and then all but one vanished in the wood — all but the stricken
buck, who made one bound, and fell to the earth. The prodi
gious leap testified to the extremity of his terror and his hurt ;
and vain struggles to rise from his knees, to its fatal char
acter. With eyes fixed upon the struggling deer, the Knight
reloaded his gun, and then bounded down the declivity after
him.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 489

Arrived at the margin of the stream, he discovered a canoe
drawn up a little way on the bank, approaching which, to push
it into the water, he suddenly found himself surrounded by a
number of Indians. They were the confederates of Quecheco,
who had been for some time lying in wait in the thick bushes.
Simultaneously rushing forward, they attempted to seize him ;
but this was no easy matter. A resolute, athletic man, with
body and sinews hardened by his hunter's life, and accustomed
to exercise command over the natives, Sir Christopher shook
roughly off the hands laid on him, and shouting, " ha, villains !
— death to traitors !" presented his gun, before the terror of
whose fatal lightning his assailants recoiled. Keeping the muz
zle of the piece directed at them, and threatening with it any one
who made a motion to draw near, the Knight succeeded in get
ting the canoe afloat, when, jumping "in, he pushed from the
shore. With a pole found in the canoe, he strove to urge it
across the stream ; but, embarrassed with watching his enemies,
and swept down by the current, the effort was attended with
great difficulty. Meanwhile, the savages, who had hitherto
forborne any act that might endanger life, bearing in mind
their instructions, became apprehensive of losing him, and
excited by his resistance, began to shoot arrows at him. One
of the missiles took effect in the right arm of the Knight,
just above the elbow, and the pole dropped from his hand.
At the same instant the canoe struck against a submerged
rock and upset. Taking advantage of the accident, the In
dians sprung into the water, and succeeded in mastering his
person.

" Quecheco," said the Knight, reproachfully, as he stood upon
the bank, " is it thou, and thou, too, Negabamat, who treat me as
an enemy ? Why this violence 1"

"Soog-u-gest is wanted among his own people," said Que
checo, who had possessed himself of the much coveted gun

440 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

which had fallen into the water. "Indians will not hurt
him."

" Quecheco, thou art a villain," said the Knight ; " but if not
an incarnate demon, outrage me not further than is necessary for
thy base purpose."

Thus spoke Sir Christopher, seeing that preparations were
made to confine his arms with withes. The Indians said some
thing among themselves, and at length Quecheco replied :

" Soog-u-gest always speaks the truth. Let him promise not
to run away, and his arms shall be free."

" I promise," said the Knight, who, in spite of his treatment,
could not but feel pleased at this evidence of the confidence in
his truth with which he had inspired the natives. " Take the
powder horn and bullets," he added, detaching them from his
person. " I will attend you."

At a sign from Quecheco the Indians released Sir Christopher,
nor seemed after that to trouble themselves much with watching
him.

An Indian, who had crossed the stream, now returned bearing
the slain buck on his back, and threw it down on the grass, and
his companions with pleased faces gathered around it. Sir Chris
topher, notwithstanding the unpleasantness of his situation, could
not avoid smiling.

" Nature's children !" he said to himself. " It would have
pained me had I unfortunately killed one of them. Blessed Jesu,
I thank thee for saving me from bloodshedding."

He threw himself on the ground, and watched their proceedings
in cooking the venison with some interest, for he was hungry,
and, when it was ready, partook of it with them as though they
had been a party of friendly hunters, nor would any one have
suspected that he was a prisoner. Having thus placed him
self on terms as little disagreeable as possible with his captors,
Sir Christopher endeavored, while they were under the influence

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.e 44:1

of the welcome dinner, to dissuade them from their purpose in
regard to himself, but on this point he found remonstrance use
less. The Indians were not inclined to talk about it, and either
preserved a total silence, or simply said that the white chief
at Accomack had sent them. When they had eaten up the
buck, they started with the Knight in the direction of Ply
mouth.

19

CHAPTER XXXV.

Well skilled he was in regulating laws,
So as by law he could defend the cause
Of poor distressed,plaintiff, when he brought
His case before him and for help besought.
*. Above all other men he loved those
Who gospel truths most.faithfully unclose,
Who were>rith grace and learning fully fraught

MORTON'S NEW ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL.

THE ancient town of Plymouth has probably about as much
resemblance to what it was two hundred years ago, as an ante
diluvian at a like age had to his boyhood. Were Governor Brad
ford, whose worth is more quaintly than poetically delineated in
the above lines, Captain Miles Standish, Master Thomas Prince,
or any other worthies of those days of peaked hats and falling
bands to revisit the scenes of their pilgrim labors, I fancy that
they would find it difficult at first to recognize them. By the
eternal features, only, of nature, the sparkling waters of the bay,
the waving line of its shore, and by the eminences not wholly
levelled, would the site be identified, and the likeness traced.
Only with memory, assisted by. these marks, might they be able,
as the moonbeams fell upon their pale faces, and they stroked
their solemn beards, to exclaim — here stood our Plymouth.

As it presented itself that day to the eyes of Sir Christopher
Gardiner, surrounded by his Indian escort, it seemed an incon
siderable village lying on the slope of a hill, dropping towards

444 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the sea. A broad street, some eight hundred yards long, led
down the hill, and was crossed nearly in the middle by another,
the ends of which were protected by gates made of solid planks —
the fourth end, viz : that on the bay, being without any barricade.
The houses were rude and small, constructed of hewn planks,
and stood in areas, around which were thrown fences made also
of plank, serving as very effectual stockades against any sudden
attack, and bidding defiance to the simple enginery of the na
tives. Near the centre was the Governor's house (built in like
manner), and in front of it, at the intersection of the streets, a
square block, answering the purposes of a fort, and mounted with
four patereros, or small cannon, commanded the streets and four
points of entrance. On the top of the hill, a large square edi
fice with a flat roof, whereupon were placed six cannons, shoot
ing balls of four or five pounds, dominated the surrounding
country. The upper part of this building served for a fort, and
the lower for public worship and meetings generally. On the
whole, as against arrows and tomahawks, it was a very pretty
fortified place, and would not have been found fault with by
Vauban himself, could he have had the good fortune to be
hold it.

The Knight passed through one of the open gates, which were
closed only at night, and proceeded straight to the residence of
the Governor. , Here he was delivered by the Indians to Brad
ford, who chid them for wounding Sir Christopher. They ex
cused themselves on the ground of his resistance, declaring that
the wound was trivial, and had merely numbed his arm for a mo
ment. (Such, indeed, proved to be a fact, when, shortly after
wards, the broken piece of the arrow was cut out.) The
Indians were dismissed with the promised presents, Quecheco
being permitted to retain the coveted gun of the Knight as
part of his reward. A moment's digression to record the
fate of the savage, and we will return to Sir Christopher.

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 445

Proud was the Indian of his new acquisition, with its gold and
silver ornaments, so far surpassing in beauty all other pieces he
had seen, and affectionately he caressed it, calling it his week-su-
buck otaw, (sweetheart,) and often repeating, gee-wawee-fee-yi-ee,
i. e., you are welcome. He was alone in the forest, the others
having departed in different directions, and was on his way to
Boston, where he expected to get more of the powder and ball for
which he had covenanted. It was the day after his treachery,
and he had nearly accomplished his journey, only three or four
miles remaining between him and his place of destination, when
he heard a rustling in the bushes, and saw Towanquattick ad
vancing. He had first been seen by the Pequot, who, recogniz
ing him, came unsuspiciously forward. Instantly saw Quecheco
the consequences of being found by Towanquattick in possession
of the gun, with which the latter was familiar as the property of
Sir Christopher, and this thought, combining with his hatred,
made him suddenly raise the weapon and fire at the approaching
Pequot. The forest rang with the report, and as Quecheco, un
practised in the use of fire-arms, having discharged the piece
but a few times, recovered himself, he beheld Towanquattick
fitting an arrow to his bow. Seizing the tomahawk out of his
belt, Quecheco hurled it at the Pequot as the arrow whizzed from
the string, but both weapons failed of their mark. Drawing his
own tomahawk, the Pequot in turn threw it at his foe, who es
caped by a sudden movement of the body.

The two Indians now stood regarding one another with looks
of rage, and took the knives off their necks. Neither spoke a
word. Each understood the other, and with flashing eyes
watched to take an advantage. They were both powerful men,
well matched in size and age, and equally armed, so that upon
fortune and skill, more than upon bru te strength, th.e result was
likely to depend.

Presently, each grasping the knife in his right hand, and bend-

446 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

ing over, ready for a spring, they began, with eyes fixed on one
another, to move round and round, watching for a favorable op
portunity to make the fatal dart. Thus, occasionally increasing
the rapidity of their movements, then relaxing their swiftness
again, they moved in circles several times, but without drawing
within striking distance. The thought occurred to both of
throwing the knife, which, if skilfully done, might terminate the
contest, but the consideration that if the stroke failed, the unsuc
cessful combatant would be left at the mercy of the other, deterred
from the hazardous experiment. After various feints and strat
agems foiled, by mutual cunning the two foes stopped, as if by
agreement, to devise more effectual schemes of destruction. In
this truce of a moment, the eyes of Quecheco fell upon a toma
hawk lying near the feet of his opponent, and unobserved by him.
His efforts were now directed to getting possession of the weap
on, and he re-commenced the system of attack he had practised.
It was no difficult thing, by a series of retreats and advances,
and constant changes of position, to entice the Pequot, ignorant
of the other's design, from the place whereon he stood, and pres
ently the foot of Quecheco touched the missile. The movement
of his foe's limbs in searching for the tomahawk had caught the
notice of Towanquattick, and before it was touched by Queche-
co's foot he had seen it. At the sight, throwing aside the cau
tion he had practised, the Pequot sprung straight at his enemy,
and, without seeking to protect himself, plunged his knife into
the breast of Quecheco. The force of the blow threw the stoop
ing savage upon his back, and before he could rise, the tomahawk,
caught from the ground by the hand of the Pequot, crashed into
the brain of the dying traitor. Drawing out, then, the knife,
the Pequot, with a rapid turn that indicated a practised hand,
passed it round the head of his foe, and tearing off the bloody
trophy, hung it at his girdle. A little while the Pequot stood
contemplating the body, and as his eyes wandered from the corpse

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 447

to the gun, which lay on the ground, and back again to the corpse,
a ferocious gleam of gratified revenge, like the lurid gleam of
fires at night, swept over his swarthy face. Picking up, then,
the gun, the knives and tomahawks, and stripping the corpse of
the articles containing the powder and bullets, the Indian started
in search of Joy.

Meanwhile, the Knight had been entertained with all human
ity and honor by the Governor of Plymouth ; nor was other
treatment to be expected from the learned and accomplished
Bradford. In appearance he was somewhat less than fifty years
of age, with a mild and thoughtful expression of countenance,
which revealed to the close observer as much of the meditative
student as of the man of action. A thorough receiver and ad
mirer of the principles of the sect to which he belonged, it was
the business of his life to illustrate them by his learning, and en
force them by his example.

That strange charm of manner for which the Knight of the
Golden Melice was so distinguished, his persuasive voice and in
tellectual cultivation, failed not to exert their wonted fascination
over one so likely to be influenced by exactly such qualities and
acquirements as Bradford, and, indeed, nowhere were they calcu
lated to exercise so great a power as in a country where they
were uncommon.

The two gentlemen had met before, but the interview had
never ripened into acquaintance ; and now, that fortune had
thrown them together in relations which might seem none of the
most agreeable, but which the kindness of the one and the polish
of the other hid in flowers, it appeared as if they were welcome
to both.

" We have become acquainted under singular circumstances,
Sir Christopher," said Bradford, a day or two after the Knight
came to Plymouth ; " and, although wishing they were somewhat
different, I can scarcely regret the providence which has brought

448 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN' MELICE.

so every way accomplished a gentleman to honor my roof. " Your
mind, wonderfully imbued with the gentler humanities, sweetly
accords with mine own, and when you are gone I shall look back
with refreshment and a sad longing to our thoughtful conferences.
Never have the strains of the divine harper of Israel, whether
exulting in the favor of Jehovah or sorrowing for sin, so affected
my spirit as when read by you in the original speech of Eden."

" For your kind expressions, right worshipful sir," answered
the Knight, " and the delicate attentions which make my impris
onment sweet, receive my unforgetting gratitude. I, too, what
ever unjust suspicion may inflict, will revert to these our religious
and philosophic hours, wherein we discussed questions nobler
than those which, in the shades of Tusculum, engaged the minds
of the great Roman orator and of his friends, with a satisfac
tion which shall not run out with the sands in the hour-glass of
time."

" If outraged, by I scarcely know what wild reports, for the
moment," replied Bradford, " I entreat you to forgive it, and to
believe me that I believe them not. Remember that David fled
before his enemies, yet the Lord delivered him and brought him
to great honor."

" I am not worthy to be joined in thought with the Shepherd
King, who, to the ringing strings of the harp, warbled inspiration,"
said the Knight. " Yet, noble sir, do I accept your words of cheer,
and they shall be a buoy to bear me up as I cross this tempest
uous Jordan. When is it your purpose that I should depart ?
Accompany you me, or go I melancholy, alone 1"

" As for the first question, you shall remain at your pleasure,
or until Governor Winthrop requires your presence ; as for the
latter, though unable to leave home at present, I hope shortly to
be at leisure. Thus generally can I answer, but present or ab
sent, my best wishes shall attend you."

The above conversation is sufficient to give an idea of the rela-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 449

tion of the Governor and Knight to one another, and of the feel
ings of both. In truth, the enjoyment of Sir Christopher was
almost as great as Bradford's, and neither manifested any desire
to shorten their intercourse. Every leisure moment devoted the
Plymouth Governor to his agreeable companion — their conversa
tions turning more on questions of literature than on political
matters. These latter, the Knight avoided, seeking thereby to
impress the other with the opinion, that he felt but little interest
in them.

In this manner passed the time, until one morning the Gover
nor announced that messengers had arrived from Winthrop, com
missioned to wait on Sir Christopher to his presence.

"I grieve," said Bradford, "that I cannot go with you. Mat
ters of instant importance demand my presence here, but so far
as friendly words in a letter may avail they shall not be want
ing. May it please you to be ready at your convenience, and
meanwhile I will prepare my epistle."

At the time appointed, four armed men appeared at the Gov
ernor's house to receive the prisoner. To them Sir Christopher
was delivered by Bradford, who, at the same time, handed them
a letter for Winthrop.

Upon the departure of one whose presence had imparted so
much pleasure ; from whom no unguarded word of censure or
impatience had escaped, and who had revealed a mind adorned
with such rich stores of culture, the scholastic Bradford sought
his study, a small room, or closet, well supplied with books, to
meditate on what had happened and to pursue his studies. Ab
sorbed in his books, hours passed away unheeded, and he re
marked not the opening of the door and entrance of a serving-
man, who, seeing his master engaged, waited respectfully until he
should be noticed. At length Bradford looked up and demanded
his business.

"This," said the man, "was found in the chamber of Sir

19*

450 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

Christopher Gardiner." So saying, he handed to the Governor
a small leathern pocket-book, such as were used for making mem
oranda, and withdrew.

Bradford, on being left alone, turned the book several times
in his hand with a doubting air, then placing it at a little
distance before him, leaned his head on his elbow, and began to
muse.

" Publico utilitati cedet jus privatum" he said at last aloud,
and opened the book. He had hardly glanced his eyes at the
page, when they lighted up, and he seemed to read with intense
interest.

" Ha !" he exclaimed, after reading through several leaves :
" was ever man worse deceived ? Here have I been harboring
in my house and taking to my bosom a concealed Papist, as
this writing sufficiently discloses. Nor yet a born Papist either,
laboring under a delusion sucked in with mother's milk, but
a recreant Protestant, a voluntary seeker after error ; for here
are written down the memorial of his shame, the very time
and place where and when he struck hands with Anti-Christ,
the name of the university where he assumed the scapula, as
the blinded errorists call two woollen bands, the one crossing
the breast and the other the back, one of those ridiculous mum
meries whereby, with other devices and unseemly grimaces,
they have contrived to bring the cross itself of the Redeemer
into disrespect, and the degrees in superstition taken by this
wretched backslider. Woe is me ! How can the arch-deceiver
assume the form of an angel of light ! Yet is here no name
written. The memorandum may refer to some one else. But
that cannot be. Himself is meant. Why should he carry about
with him a note of this kind respecting another? This be
trayer of treachery, this touchstone of truth, shall off forth
with to Winthrop, and be the antidote to the bane of my
letter."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 451

Thus murmured Governor Bradford, grieved as well as vexed
at the deceit, as he supposed it to be. "With a rapid hand, he
wrote an account of his discovery, and entrusting it, with the
note-book, to a messenger, commanded him to hasten after the
soldiers from Governor Winthrop, and deliver to them the
package.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Nought is on earth more sacred or divine,
That gods and men do equally adore,

Than this same virtue that doth right define,
For th' heavens themselves, whence mortal men implore,
Right in their wrongs, are ruled by righteous lore.

SPENSER'S FAEBY QUEEN.

IT was with some embarrassment that Governor Winthrop
received his prisoner, though none was manifested in the mien of
Sir Christopher. On the contrary, his manner indicated conscious
innocence, and just that degree of resentment which a well-
balanced mind and good temper might be expected to exhibit
under the circumstances. If there was any change in his bearing,
he was a trifle haughtier, as presuming on his rank — a trait never
noticed in him before, and it showed itself by his speaking first,
without waiting to be addressed, the moment he entered the pres
ence of the Governor.

" By what authority," he demanded with some sternness, " is
it, that I, a free-born Englishman, innocent of crime, have a
price set on my head, and am hunted by savages bribed for that
purpose ?"

Before making a reply, the Governor intimated his desire to
be left alone with the Knight, whereupon those present retired.

" You inquire by what authority you are arrested," said Win
throp. " I answer, by that authority vested in me by charter,

454 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

as the ruler of a State ; by common law., and by common sense.
The question is not asked by one with the endowments of Sir
Christopher Gardiner because he is ignorant, but for some other
reason."

" Is it in humanity," returned the Knight, " not to be annoyed
at the outrage? How bitterly," he added, looking sorrowfully at
Winthrop, " is the pain of the wound aggravated by the knowl
edge from whose quiver flew the arrow !"

" I may not choose between my duty and my inclination," re
sponded the Governor. " I were, otherwise, more unworthy than
I am of the awfully responsible station which Providence hath
assigned me. It shall never be said that, through favor or other
motive, I buried the one talent committed to my keeping."

" I dared not, at my entrance," replied the Knight, who strove
to make his tone and demeanor conciliatory, "entertain the
thought that a friendly feeling toward me lurked in his bosom,
by whose mandate my helpless household has been invaded in
the night and made prisoners, and my house turned into a heap
of ashes."

" It was by no order of mine," said Winthrop, hastily, " that
the house was burned, and I lament its destruction as deeply as
yourself. How it caught fire, is to me unknown ; but if by the
act of our people and not of the savages, ample recompense
shall be made."

" How shall that be determined I But I will not waste my
words thereupon. The loss of my house and other property is
insignificant, compared with the cruel wrong done the Lady
Geraldine and the dishonor to my name."

" She, whom you call the Lady Geraldine, has been treated
with all courtesy; and, considering what, in the judgment of
the Council, has been proved against her, with more than she is
entitled to. For yourself, every opportunity shall be granted to
clear off the clouds of suspicion hovering over you."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 455

" Only a clear field and no favor do I desire for myself; but
for the persecuted lady, my cousin, I pledge you my knightly
word that any charges reflecting upon her character as a virtuous
and godly lady, are infamous and false, You perceive, right
worshipful sir, that I do not pretend to be ignorant of the accu
sations which inventive malice, hatched out of what cockatrice
egg I kno\\ not, has brought against my suffering cousin, but I
pronounce them, again, alike dastardly and without truth."

" If so, she is, indeed, greatly wronged, though partly respon
sible herself therefor, as having confessed the same."

" Then have strange means been employed to make her ac
knowledge a lie," said the Knight, warmly, "for any such con
fession were utterly untrue. I have heard of wretches, who,
upon the rack, in order to escape its intolerable agonies, have
accused themselves of all sorts of crimes of which they were
innocent. Is this the way you have abused my relative ?"

" Sir Christopher," answered Winthrop, mildly, " you know
as well as I that such practices are alien to the spirit of British
law and unused by us. Touching this unhappy female, I think
it meet to say no more at present, but will wish you success in
the vindication of yourself."

" For myself," replied the Knight, " I care little. The char
acter of a man is like a garment, which, when soiled, may be
washed and restored to a likeness of its pristine beauty ; that of
a woman resembles white paper, whereupon if a drop of blood
has ever fallen, it may never be erased. But what are the accu
sations devised against me?"

" Sir Christopher," answered Winthrop, with some hesitation,
" it were hardly orderly to communicate them to you now. Be
fore the Council, perhaps, should you hear them first. And yet
see I no reason why, in harmony with the merciful spirit of our
law, they should not be disclosed. We desire to overpower no
man by surprise, or to deprive truth of a single aid. You shall
know."

456 THE KNTGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

Here Winthrop entered into the particulars, which it is, we
trust, unnecessary to set down, as the reader is supposed to be
already informed of them. He mentioned the contents of the
letters from England, but did not exhibit them, concealing nothing
except what appertained to the examination of the Lady Geral-
dine, all inquiries respecting which he either evaded or directly
refused to answer. Courteously, indeed, was it done ; nor could
Sir Christopher deny that the information was rightfully with
held. It was only in accordance with the usual proceedings
of courts of justice, when those who are considered accomplices
are examined apart from one another, in order that they may
not, by a knowledge of each other's answers, be better able to
frame their own.

To every accusation Sir Christopher opposed a steady denial.
" That falsely suspected as I am," he said, " of other crimes and
misdemeanors, I should also be deemed an usurper of a title that
does not belong to me, surprises me not. But grant me time to
send home, (as the English in the colonies affectionately call Eng
land to this day,) and I will prove my knighthood honorably won
upon a stricken field, by irrefragable testimony. I will not deny
that I have the honor of an acquaintance with Sir Ferdinando
Gorges, but I am in no sense his agent, nor in any wise hold
communication with him, save as a friend. For the note-book
found at my lodgings, and deemed conclusive proof that I am a
Catholic, I aver that the memorandum therein contained refers
not to myself but to one whom it concerns not you that I should
name ; and it furnishes no evidence against me, except what
arises out of the fact that I acknowledge one who is of Rome
to be my friend."

"Whatever my private thoughts," said Winthrop, "it were
useless to express them, seeing that thy fate hangs not entirely
upon me. With no unnecessary severity," he continued, in a
kinder tone than he had hitherto adopted during the conversa-

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 457

tion, " will I treat one, whom, before these unhappy suspicions
were raised, I was beginning to love as a brother ; and, if thou
wilt pledge me thine honor neither to attempt escape, nor by
word or deed to practise aught against the Commonwealth, thou
shalt have liberty of the precincts of the settlement until the
Council shall take further orders."

" I accept thine offer," answered Sir Christopher, " and plight
thee my knightly troth to observe the conditions. And in this,
my adversity, it is a consolation to know that the noblest spirit
who is to sit in judgment on me, believes me not wholly lost to
the duties and sensibilities of a gentleman."

The Governor, without reply, summoned Lieutenant Venn,
who was in waiting ; and, after communicating to him the con
clusion to which he had come, requested him to escort the Knight
to his lodging.

A few days passed, during which Sir Christopher was seem
ingly in the full enjoyment of freedom, though closely watched.
He attempted to speak with the Lady Geraldine, but was re
fused permission ; and upon her being told of his desire, she
sent him word that she had no wish to see him. No objection,
however, was interposed to his intercourse with Arundel, who,
with his lovely mistress, did all in their power to console the
Knight and the unhappy lady in their misfortunes. The relation
which the latter stood to the colony affected not the young
people, except to excite their sympathies for those whom they
considered unjustly suspected and persecuted.

It might be supposed that in these circumstances Sir Christo
pher would betray some anxiety or gloom. Far from it. The
command over his emotions which nature and discipline had given
him, concealed his trouble of mind. He seemed to think but
little of himself, and to be principally occupied with the ap
proaching nuptials of Arundel and Eveline, who, immediately
thereafter, were to sail for England in the ship commanded by

458 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

the jolly Captain Sparhawk. The ceremony, in order to give it the
greater dignity, was to be performed by Winthrop himself, the right
to tie the mystical knot being, among these planters of new customs
in a new world, confined to the civil magistrate. Strongly, at first,
did the young lady object, and it needed all the eloquence of her
lover, and all her affection for him, to prevail upon her to dis
pense with the priestly blessing. However, there was no alter
native, if they meant to be married before their departure ; and
the circumstances of their situation and mutual inclination were
persuasive arguments. Voyages, too, were not then as safe as now ;
and to the romantic girl contemplating the dangers of the sea,
there was something sweet and even fascinating in the thought,
that if she perished, she should die in the arms of her husband.
This last consideration, above all, prevailed to overcome her
scruples, and the uncanonical marriage was accordingly deter
mined upon. ,

At length the day arrived for the hearing of Sir Christopher,
and, attended by Arundel, he presented himself before the Coun
cil. It is unnecessary to enter into details. The result is all that
need be stated. The accusations contained in the letters, though
denied by the Knight, (who vehemently protested against the
liberties taken with those addressed to himself, on •which latter
was founded the charge of being in correspondence with Sir Fer-
dinando Gorges, the most dreaded enemy of the colony,)
obtained credence with his judges. Winthrop blushed when
reproached with the violation of the letters; but the rough
Dudley justified and commended the act, as fidelity to public
interests. There was a settled conviction in the minds of all of
the Assistants, that the Lady Geraldine was other than she
seemed ; and the conclusion they had arrived at concerning her
were not of a nature to operate favorably for the Knight. The
memorandum in the note-book was also considered weighty evi
dence. It was recollected, that long before suspicions were con

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 459

ceived concerning Sir Christopher, and when he stood highest in
the favor of the principal inhabitants, he had, in speaking of his
travels in foreign parts, mentioned that he was at the very place
where, and at the time when the scapula was assumed ; and his
ascribing the reference to another, was regarded as only an awk
ward attempt at deception. It was thought plainly to betray
him as a member of a religious order among the Roman Catho
lics. Winthrop himself was of that opinion, and that, without
more, was sufficient to support an unfavorable decision. The
idea of having covert Papists lurking in their midst was not to
be tolerated, and, by whatever means, they were to be got rid
of. Allusion was made to his embassy to the Taranteens, and
services rendered on that and other occasions, but they were
deemed insufficient to neutralize his guilt ; yet, in consideration
of those services, they forbore to inflict any severe punishment.
The sentence of the Council was, that both the Knight and lady
should be sent back to England in the next ship, and forbidden
to return.

" All England shall ring with the report of your injustice,"
cried Sir Christopher, when the decision was announced. " Ye
do yourselves more wrong than me, and the time will come
when ye shall hang your heads with shame for the deed. Ye have
power, it is true, to extrude me from this new world, but my
presence will be a bane to you in the old. I go with solemn pro
test against your violence."

" Enough," said Winthrop, rising with dignity, " of threats
which we notice not, because we are above them. The men
who are founding an empire, whose future extent and power hu
man sagacity cannot limit, and who, for the sake of present
liberty of thought and action, and of prospective blessings for
their descendants, have renounced and count as naught the vani
ties of this world, fear no arm of flesh. Their shield is the Lord
of Hosts. This Council is dissolved."

CHAPTER XXXVH.

" To feel that we adore

With such refined excess,
That though the heart would burst with more,
We could not live with less."

MOOBX.

FAIR rose the morn of the day which was to unite the
destinies of Miles Arundel and of Eveline Dunning, as if to make
some amends for the clouds which had attended the progress of
their affection.

With a tear in her eye, and smiles in the dimples of her plump
cheeks, Dame Spikeman looked on the adorning of the lady for
the marriage ceremony, by the cunning fingers of Prudence Bix.
She thought, as she gazed on the fair, young face, of her own
maiden beauty, of the timid happiness that palpitated in her
bosom on her wedding-day, of the dress that heightened her
charms, and (shall I so soon acknowledge it *?) of what would be
becoming for herself on a like occasion, wherein she was to bear a
principal part, and the too-fascinating Master Prout another.
Let not the solemn pretender to decorum, who, in proportion to
his demureness, is apt to be worse than others, with owlish
visage quote, " frailty, thy name is woman," or, " e'er those
shoes were old," or whatever musty apothegms besides, as stale
and senseless. The name of Frailty is no more woman than
man, and old shoes have no business at weddings. Stand aside

462 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

0 censorious reader, (I desire not thy acquaintance,) while I
whisper to both maid and widow, what, probably, they have
often pondered — that life is short, and that in Heaven they
neither marry nor are given in marriage.

"Bless thy sweet face!" said the dame. (" Pull down the
stomacher a little, Prudence ; an' it had been a thought longer
it were better.) Ne'er saw I so lovely a bride."

"It is the latest London fashion," muttered Prudence, " that
hath come to these outlandish parts, where, thank the Lord, our
stay will not be much longer than the stomacher."

" What is the girl chattering about 1" said the dame. " Why,
Prudence Pert, thou wilt tear the beautiful satin with thine im
patience."

" You have already made me prick my lingers three times,
dame," answered the waiting-maid, pettishly. " I never could
dress my young lady aright, when I was talked to. There ! O
dear ! you have made me cut a ribbon in the wrong place !"

" Did ever one see the like !" exclaimed the widow, as, with a
jerk of the petulant Prudence, a few stitches now gave way.
" Why, minx, thou art as much flustrated as if thou wert to be
married thyself."

" I know somebody, I guess," said the girl, in so low a tone as
to be heard only by her mistress, close to whose ear was her
mouth, " who would like to be flustrated in that manner."

Eveline could not restrain her smiles at the impertinence of
her maid, and her gaiety seemed to please the good dame.

" Thou art a sensible child, Eveline," she said. " Now have

1 known many a wedding, and generally there are quite as many
tears as smiles at them. I like not that, exactly, though I be
lieve I was as great a simpleton as most, when I mar (here

the dame decorously put her handkerchief to her eyes to receive

the tears which she did not shed) — when I ; but I must not

think of my sorrow, when thy happiness is just commencing."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 463

(Dame Spikeman wiped her eyes, and went on more composedly.)
" There is nothing thou hast cause to fear, and thouwilt soon get
used to it. But, who is to be thy bridesmaid 1"

" It was my intent to have had little Neebin," replied the
young lady. " It would have sounded so prettily in England
to say that an Indian Princess stood up with me, for Miles says

that she is the sister of a great king — of Waqua ; thou

dost recollect him, Prudence ?"

" The funny salvage," said the girl, " who mistook a painting for
a live man. But to think of the like of the sister of an Indian,
though he be a handsome fellow, going to the 'menial halter with
my mistress!" she added, tossing her head.

"The danger is past, Prudence," said Eveline, "for Miles tells
me she has run away from the Governor's, and was last seen in
the woods with one of her brother's Paniese, as the savages call
their greatest warriors, Town — , Town — , I forget his name,
but they were going in the direction of their own country."

" Toweringantic was the salvage's name," said Prudence. "I
remember it very well, because it sounds so like English."

"That is it not precisely, "said the young lady, with a smile;
" but it matters not about the name. Our little Princess has fled
to her home, and I am left without a bridesmaid."

"The ungrateful heathen!" exclaimed the dame. " Only to
think of her deserting the comfortable house of our right wor
shipful Governor, and instruction in the Christian graces by
godly Master Phillips, for the smoky wigwams and powawing of
the Indians. The girl, I am sure, will come to no good, and I
will never trust one of these Canaanites again."

" Nay ; but dame," said Eveline, " I rejoice that she escaped.
I did much pity her in her captivity, for she seemed to me like
a wild bird, that hath all its life been accustomed to fly in the
air, which had been caught and put into a cage, where it sits
constantly with moping head and drooping wings, forgetful of the
songs which made its woodland home so sweet."

464 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

" I did never like to disagree in opinion with thee, Eveline,"
said the dame, "and leastwise would I do so, of all days in the
year, on thy wedding-day; so have it as thou wilt. For thy
sweet sake, whom I am so soon to lose, I could find it in my
heart to be pleased at anything the little savage might do, were
she twenty times a heathen Amalakite or Jebusite."

"Dame," said Eveline, kissing her comely cheek, " how shall
I ever be able to repay thy motherly kindness ? O, wherever I
may be, and whatever my lot, I will ever think of thee as my
second mother."

" Dear child," replied the dame, moved to tears, which flowed
with womanly facility, " never had mother a sweeter and more
loving daughter than thou hast been to me. Hast thou not done
more than most daughters, in giving me all the property that re
mains to thee here 1"

" Speak not of it, dame," answered Eveline, " though it is
Miles' gift, for he desired me to give it thee."

" Oh! dame, do not disturb my young lady more, for if you
get her crying, think how her eyes would look," here interposed
Prudence, very sensibly.

"It is time that I were attending to my own apparelling,
which, in looking at thee, I quite forgot," said the widow, rising,
and leaving the apartment.

The marriage, which took place at the house of the Gover
nor, was private, and attended only by some of the principal
personages of the colony and their families. Besides the Knight
of the Golden Melice, Sir Richard Saltonstall, who was to sail
in the same ship with the « young people, came with his two
daughters, as did also Master Increase Nowell, and Master
Bradstreet. No minister was present, the order resenting, it may
be, in a quiet way, an invasion of their prerogative, which exclu
ded them from business of this sort ; but in the solemn and grace
ful manner in which the accomplished Winthrop performed the

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 465

ceremony, no one noticed any deficiency, not even Eveline her
self, who, indeed, was thinking of other matters. Winthrop
concluded his part with a little speech, in which he reminded the
young couple of the new duties they had assumed, and of ths
loving mystery whereby two souls were united into one, like two
brooks, which, pouring each into the other their bright waters,
flow on, inseparably joined, to the ocean of eternity. Something
he said, too, of the blessedness of a true faith, as a crowning
glory, without which the world was but an unprofitable
desert.

Scarcely had the congratulations which followed the sweet
voice of the Governor ceased, when a stranger, an honored friend
of Master Bradstreet, and who had come with him, stepped for
ward, and saluting Arundel by the title of the Earl of Ciiffmere,
informed him that he had matters of importance to commu
nicate.

" I had waited upon you, my lord, before," he said, " even
upon the instant of my arrival, had I known where to find you ;
but I suspected you not under your assumed name."

" I welcome you," said the Earl, advancing and taking the
stranger's hand, " I welcome you, Master Hatherly, to the new
world, which I this day leave, probably forever. As for thy
news, 1 think thou art anticipated : I am informed by letters
brought by the vessel wherein you came, that my father and
eldest brother are no more, and that the coronet which I would
willingly place upon their living brows, alas, is mine. Wonder
ful is the drama of life. I abandoned rank and fortune," he ad
ded, looking with eyes swimming in love upon his wife, "to seek
that without which they possessed no value. They have pur
sued me across the sea, and, besides, I have obtained my dearest
treasure."

The astonished Eveline hid her face in the bosom of her hus
band, while tears of happiness fell fast. Bewildered, amazed at

20

466 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELTCE.

the discovery of the rank of her lover, she knew not what to say ;
but amid all her confusion, prevailed triumphantly a sense of
sparkling joy, of full contentment, and of radiant hope.

" Why should I conceal from you, noble Winthrop, from you,
my valued friend, Sir Christopher, or from any of you, my
other friends, with whom I would leave no unsatisfactory remem
brance of myself, the little romance that brought me among you,"
continued the Earl. "Know, that a second son of the deceased
Earl of Cliffmere, I wooed, in the character of an humble pain
ter, the sweet daughter of Edmund Dunning. He aspired higher
than to unite the destinies of his only child with those of an
unknown artist, and looked coldly on my suit. He left England
with her, and I, unable to endure the pangs of separation, desired to
follow. My mother knew of my attachment from the beginning,
and to my entreaties yielded her acquiescence to my desires, for
she loved me greatly, and had informed herself of the worth of
her to whom I had given my heart, but required me to wait for
the permission of my father (absent at the time on the continent)
before I followed Eveline to this new world. That permission
I received, and straightway departed. Still I continued to con
ceal my true name and station from even Eveline herself, for a
reason, perhaps, more romantic than rational ; for, with selfish
jealousy, I chose to be loved for my own sake, nor did I mean
my secret should be revealed until I had presented my wife to
my parents, — but the curtain has been unexpectedly lifted, and ye
know all."

" I congratulate you, my lord," said Winthrop, " and will
venture to do so also in the name of all present, upon the auspi
cious termination of your fortunes among us, and only lament
that so little time is left us to express our respect. When re
turned to our dear mother England, from whose bosom we are
self-banished, yet whom, with filial reverence, we love, we trust
that you will not forget your brethren in the wilderness. It i»

THE KMGHT OF THE GULDEN MELICE. 467

upon the far-seeing judgment of those in high places, as well
as upon the zeal of the people, [all under God,] that we rely to
assist us in extending the material and earthly power of our
country, as well as in spreading the doctrines of true religion."

'''' Be sure, sir," answered the Earl, " that I will endeavor to
do my duty toward you according to my honest convictions.
And now, Eveline, bid farewell. The favoring breeze is bellying
in the half unfurled sails, gallant Captain Sparhawk is impatient,
aud we must away."

Lady Eveline fell upon the neck of the weeping Dame Spike-
man, and after kissing her repeatedly, exchanged farewells with
those around her, [as did all about to depart,] and then, accom
panied by a numerous train, the passengers proceeded to the ship,
whither the Lady Geraldine had preceded them, and where, also,
they found Philip Joy. The sails were cast off from the yards
and hoisted home ; the fair wind gracefully curved the canvas,
and the good ship, with silver waves breaking at her prow, and a
stream of light following in her wake, gallantly stood down the

CHAPTER XXXVII.

So, splendid dreams, and slumbers sweet,
To each and all— Good Night.

WILLIAM E. HURLBUT.

HERE might this tale be permitted to end, were it not that
a doubt has arisen in my mind whether some particulars do not
need explanation. Doubtless the nimble wits of the sagacious
have fathomed to their satisfaction all that seemed mysterious;
but there may be others who, either less imaginative or more in
dolent, would like an elaborate elucidation. These latter I invite
to accompany me across the blue Atlantic to the pleasant town
of Exeter, in the lovely county of Devon, in England.

In the nave of the splendid old cathedral of that town, two
men, engaged in conversation, are walking backwards and for
wards, one of whom we recognize as the Knight of the Golden
Melice ; the other is a stranger. Through the stained glass, the
dim light of a winter's afternoon falls indistinctly on the stone
floor, while from behind the screen which separates the open
area where they are pacing from the portion devoted to religious
worship, the solemn tones of an organ (for it is the time of eve
ning service) are floating around the massy pillars and among the
sculptured arches, as if imploring saintly rest for the high born
nobles and reverend bishops who, for hundreds of years, have
lain in their marble tombs around. None are present save the
two, and, as with reverent feet they tread, they seem dwarfed
into children by the huge proportions of the building.

470 THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICB.

"Two beings more blessed with mutual affection than the
young Earl of Cliffmere and his lovely countess I know not,"
said the Knight, continuing the conversation. " Three weeks
remained I with them in their magnificent palace at London, the
attractions whereof were tenfold heightened by his courteous
bearing and her graciousness. Nor could I without difficulty
tear myself away, so lovingly they delighted to dwell upon the
time when, as Miles Arundel, he wooed Eveline Dunning, or
hunted with me, in the wilds of America, and so sweet were their
attentions to my chafed spirit. With them is my trusty Philip,
whose trials are now over, while he basks in the favor of the
Earl and the smiles of the pretty Prudence, his wife, undisturbed
save by her occasional coquetry, which only serves, I suppose, to
make his love more piquant."

"A pleasing episode in your romantic life," said the stranger;
but know you perfectly how you came to leave America so sud
denly?"

" There is a mystery connected therewith which hath ever
puzzled me," replied the Knight.

" How felt you in reference to the plan of converting an Eng
lish into a French colony ?"

" I did never either feel therefor inclination, or give it the ap
probation of my judgment. I cannot forget 'that I am an Eng
lishman." ' •

" And did Sister Celestina know your sentiments ?" inquired
the stranger.

" Surely. Wherefore should I have hesitated to bestow on
one so devoted my absolute confidence ?"

" Ne crede principibus" said the stranger, " is no more worthy
of acceptance than ne crede feminis."

" Chosen friend of my soul, sworn brother of my heart," ex
claimed the Knight, " I conjure thee to tell me what thou know-
est or dost suspect of these mysterious circumstances."

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 47 1

" Thou hast borne, beloved friend, a cross, whereof thou knew-
est not. You were betrayed, like him whose name you bear,
even in the house of your friends."

" A light begins to dawn upon my mind. And Sister Celes-
tina "

"Aye, Sister Celestina, or, as she must now be called, the
Abbess of St. Idle whim, was the traitress. Yet, why call I her
so ? She did but obey her vow."

" May it please thee, Albert, to be more explicit I"

" Know, then," said the stranger, " that it was in consequence
of representations from Sister Celestina thou wast recalled."

" How knowest thou this to be true ?"

" Ask me not, for that I dare not reveal ; but I swear, by the
bones of Loyola, and by our mutual friendship, that it is the sin
cere truth. Father (I will not breathe his name, he'

added, looking cautiously around,) loves thee not. Thou wert
in his way, and he had thee removed from England. He is
strong now and fears thee no longer, and has had thee sent igno-
miniously home, seizing hold of the idle suspicions of a woman
as a pretext."

" I see now," said the Knight, " reasons for her conduct, which
at the time seemed inexplicable. But what reported Celestina to
him?"

" .Recollect you your offer to join the congregation?" ,

" It was but a stratagem."

" But so could she not understand it. Besides, she mistrusted
thine intimacy with Winthrop, and his influence over thee."

" I loved the man for his gracious qualities, heretic though he
be ;. but he never influenced me."

"The intense zeal of Celestina, guided only by her womanly
instincts, was unable to comprehend thy feeling. She communi
cated her suspicions to the Father, and it was his pleasure to re
ceive them as truths and act accordingly. It was the father who

472 THE KKIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE.

wrote the letters, signing thereto feigned names, and charging
thee with crimes as feigned. It was he who, to avert suspicion
from our order (for news had come that the jealousy of the prick-
ear'd heretics was aroused, and that they were on sharp look-out
for Catholics,) hesitated not to slander the Sister, his own confi
dential agent, trusting, by the magnitude and foulness of the
charges, so to fill the minds of your judges, that other surmises
would be thrust out, and thus the ground be preserved for fur
ther operations."

" I understand," said the Knight, " that my successor has de
parted."

" He has gone. Sister Celeslina, in her elevation, forgets her
temporary humiliation, and Sir Christopher Gardiner "

" Is the victim of a woman's suspicions and of a monk's pol
icy. Albert, I thank thee ; my mind is now at ease, and I shall
no longer beat the air in vain attempts to discover my accusers,
unsubstantial figments of the Father's imagination. But why
told you me not on my arrival in London, when I did so eagerly
search for the infamous varlets who had attempted to attaint my
honor, and when vain, of course, were my exertions ?"

*' I ^ya3 not then v permitted. And now, I rely upon thy dis
cretion to bury the secret in thy breast. Any other course might
be fatal to us both."

" Fear me not," said Sir Christopher. " I have been exam
ining my heart, and find I bear no malice against the holy Father.
It was time we should be removed, and the means, though harsh,
were politic ; for suspicions of our being Catholics were rife, and
what may sound strangely,' our friendship, Albert, served to con
firm them."

"Explain thy meaning."

" Out of my love to thee, and as a remembrancer for myself, I
had made a note in my pocket-book of the time and place of thy
admission into the holy Catholic Church, of the taking of thy

THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE. 473

scapula, and of thy degrees, whereunto I had appended no name.
This book escaping from my pocket, was found and delivered to
my judges, and considered pregnant proof against me."

" The writing was a great imprudence," said the stranger.

itOonftteorJ and whatever shame I may have endured I accept
as the fitting punishment of my sins. Alas ! my individual sor
rows are swallowed up in grief at the thought of the condition
of the Church. How doth she sit like a widow in affliction !
The flood-gates of error are opened, and the world is deluged
with impure streams. When 1 look on the marble images of the
crusaders, lying with crossed legs upon their tombs around us,
and on the cold faces of the abbots and mitred bishops, standing
in solemn dignity in their niches, they seem saddened and indig
nant at a reverse that hath changed the very temple erected by
Catholic piety over their ashes, and wherein the incense of ac
ceptable worship was offered unto the Lord, into a place of resort
for impious aud deluded heretics with their tasteless rites. Here,
with these mournful monitors around me, I cannot indulge in pri
vate resentment while my heart is breaking for the sufferings of
my people."

" It is a holy and a commendable frame of mind, my brother,'*
Baid the stranger. " O, if the spirit that animates thee were
universal in our order, how might the wilderness of the world be
made to blossom as the Rose of Sharon, and the lamentations of
Sion be converted into songs of deliverance!

• -

-

THE LOST HUNTER:

A TALE OP EARLY TIMES.

By the Author of " THE KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN MELICE."
12mo. $1 25.

" The style is fluent and unforced ; the description of character well
limned ; and the pictures of scenery forcible and felicitous. There is a
natural conveyance of incidents to the denouement ; and the reader closes
the volume with an increased regard for the talents and spirit of the
author. — Knickerbocker Magazine.

"The style is direct and effective, particularly fitting the impression
which such a story should make. It is a very spirited and instructive tale,
leaving a good impression both upon the reader's sensibilities and morals."

— Eclectic Magazine.

...
" A.n interesting plot, dramatic incidents, characters well conceived and

executed, picturesque sketches of American scenery, and a satisfactory
denouement, are the elements of success which this new novel invites." —
Bailouts Pictorial.

"The locale of the story is at Norwich, Gt, "the time, a generation ago,
and it embraces a wide range of characters, and brings into discussion a
variety of subjects. There is no feature of the book more worthy of com
mendation than the Indian ; this is worked up with great fidelity to the
character, passions and legendary history of the aborigines, and exhibits a
rare acquaintance with their characteristics. The surprises of the story to
the reader are most felicitously arranged, and the conversations introduced
are keenly bright. "-^Springfield Republican.

" The author of this work has not favored the public with his name — and
why, we are at a loss to know, for it is one whose authorship no one need
be ashamed to acknowledge. A train of incidents, now pathetic, now
humorous, and now marvelous, is woven together with an ingenuity not
less happy than remarkable. Any reader, so intense will become his
interest, who shall peruse the first chapter, will find it difficult to lay the
book aside before all its contents shall have been devoured. And more,
and better, no one can read it without becoming wiser and better— it
abounds with wholesome lessons." — Examiner. ^

" No clue is given to the author of this story, but it is marked on every
page by evidence of a practised pen, of great dramatic power, of ex
perienced judgment of character, and of rare powers of description."— Sf.

Louis Republican.

" Something as bright and cheery as the blue skies and sparkling waters
of the New-England land selected for the scene of narrative ; as quaint
and hearty as the early settlers of the northeastern Statrs, whence it
draws its sketches of character, and as wild and picturesque in places as
the Indian legends of that " long time ago" it so cheerfully describes.

" Savage life and scenes of the forest are interwoven like threads of
purple and crimson with the pleasant homespun of colonial story ; and,
ere the reader has ceased to smile over the antics, adventures and sports
of the odd specimens of early Yankee character that fill the foreground, he
is charmed into silence by the poetic pomp of Indian tradition and the fiery
display of Indian loves and hatreds.

"The Lost Hunter is a fine specimen of that class of American literature
we have sought to encourage, and we will not mar the enjoyment of those
whom we hope this notice may attract, by any brief, imperfect shadowing
of the story. Buy it, read it, and you will find it amply worth the time." —
National Democrat.

" We were prepared, by the original and facetious style of the preface of
this book, for something out of the beaten track ; nor have we been dis
appointed. The ilot is ingeniously concealed, and well carried out. The
delineations of < aracter are admirable. The Indian legends, and speci
mens of Indian e quence, are some of them surpassingly beautiful ; while
the history of the lero is so exciting, and withal so shrouded in mystery,
that there is no agging of the interest till the last page is reached."—
Vermont Republican.

443
±351

•**••