enemy, together with my desertion, would not only bring Bacon and his whole army, like a whirlwind upon your forces, but would leave you without any chance of escape?" "You are at perfect liberty, villain as you are," retorted the Governor, "to do as you see proper. Go, Sir, to the Insurgent General, and proclaim it aloud in his camp, that William Berkeley despises the services of any miserable reptile who has been one of Cromwell's blood-hounds, and an adherent to so foul a cause as that of Nathaniel Bacon." "Death and hell," exclaimed the ruffian, as he seized the Governor by the throat, and with the grasp of a giant threw him to the earth. Labouring under the weight of disease, and of seventy years age, the old Cavalier was but little able to encounter a brawny antagonist in the prime of manhood, and would have soon fallen a victim to the other's brutality, had not Bacon, who had observed the whole scene with the most intense interest, rushed to the rescue. Seizing Larimore in turn, by the collar of his doublet, he dragged him from the senseless body of the Governor, and hurled him some distance from the spot. Stunned by the violence of the fall, the ruffian lay for a moment before he recovered, and the first object which struck his sight upon rising, was the figure of his former commander, sword in hand, with the fire of vengeance, and the fury of deadly hate fully expressed in his whole countenance. Draw your weapon, ignoble assassin," cried the Insurgent. "I would have plunged my rapier into your carcass without allowing you a chance for life, had I not scorned to

take any advantage even of a traitor and a murderer." "Ha! is it so ?" exclaimed the other; "receive the punishment then due to an officious fool who has deprived himself of the opportunity to secure his cause forever." So saying, he unsheathed his Toledo, and pressed upon his antagonist with a fury and violence, which for some moments kept the other in full play upon the defence; but, among the many idle accomplishments which Bacon had acquired while a rakish student in the Temple, was a perfect mastery of the rapier; and in the moment at which the sailor ceased the first fury of his attack, his weapon flew out of his hand, to the distance of several feet, and in the next he lay stretched a lifeless corpse upon the earth.

The clashing of the swords had by this time drawn together a considerable crowd from every part of the town, who having collected around the dead body of Larimore, and the prostrate form of the Governor, stood gazing in speechless astonishment. The Insurgent Chief, in the mean time, having sheathed his weapon, and drawn his cloak over his face for the purpose of disguising his features, stood awaiting the result of the meeting, with considerable anxiety. As yet the form of the Governor had exhibited no signs of life, and he saw from the inquiring glances of those around, that an explanation of this strange scene was required from him; but he remained silent. He dreaded to speak; for in the countenances of many around him, he recognized the features of several former friends and acquaintances, who would at once detect him, should he do

So.

At last, one of the crowd, who appeared to be an officer, suddenly confronted him, and in a menacing tone of voice required him to explain the cause of the strange scene before them. Bacon became still more perplexed as to the course of conduct which he should pursue; he anxiously awaited the revival of the Governor, who would be bound by every feeling of gratitude and honour to discharge him, and he feared to disclose himself to his other foes, lest it might provoke the harshest treatment from men who were more often guided by the blind impulse of vindictive feeling, than by any nobler sensation. While he was yet hesitating, and while the crowd around seemed every moment kindling into a state of violent excitement, the figure of the old Governor rose like a spectre from the spot where he had been lying, and weakly staggered into the midst of the assemblage, all of whom gave way with respect, saye the officer, upon whose shoulder he leaned for support.

"To whom, generous stranger," inquired the old Cavalier, in a tone of the warmest feeling, "am 1 indebted for this unlooked-for deliverance? Speak, noble Sir, and if there be any thing within the gift of William Berkeley, adequate to your merit, ask it and it shall be granted." "Did you know,” replied the Insurgent, in a suppressed tone of voice, "whom you were addressing, perhaps you would not have made so rash a promise. But your knightly word is passed, and all I can ask of you is permission to retire from whence I came." "It is granted," replied the other, "were you Nathaniel Bacon him

self; to whom, Heaven forbid I should ever owe such a favour as the one you have just rendered me." "Your prayer is too late," hastily ejaculated the other, as he threw aside his cloak and hat, and displayed to the wondering view of the Governor and assembly around him, the hated form of the Insurgent Commander. A dead pause for some moments ensued. "Rash young man," at length exclaimed Sir William, "what mad imprudence has urged you to brave the vengeance which your offences so richly deserve, and to tempt me to a violation of that word, and those principles of honour, which I am proud to say, have never yet been impugned? But go; although he may suffer the wrath of his king and country; although you may again drive him into ruin and exile, yet William Berkeley will neither shew himself ungrateful or false. But remember, all obligation on my part is cancelled; when we meet again, it will be in a different manner; although in my own person I shall always respect you, yet as the representative of my king, I must and will punish you." Previous to the conclusion of the old Cavalier's remarks, Bacon had drawn his form into the most proud and commanding attitude, and was upon the point of hurling a defiance into his face, but the melancholy tone, the dignified appearance, the courtly gesture, the grey hairs and venerable deportment of the majestic speaker, checked him, and prevented a reply. He wound his cloak around him, and replacing his hat and feather, made a deeply respectful bow to the Governor, and walked slowly towards his camp. The old Cavalier

gazed upon him in deep silence, till he disappeared. "What a noble youth," he exclaimed, "but what an incorrigible rebel he is."

The piercing strains of the fife, the flourish of trumpets, the rolling of the drum, and the thunder of the cannon which proclaimed the reveille, aroused the General of the Insurgent troops from an uneasy and broken slumber. He arose wearied and faint from his couch, and with weakness and lassitude walked out to review his followers, and make preparations against attack; his presence was welcomed by a burst of applause from his faithful followers, who, refreshed by an undisturbed rest, and animated by the consciousness of their security and strength, waited with impatience for the hour of attack. The general gazed upon their fine appearance, and witnessed their eager gestures, with a proud and swelling bosom; he looked upon them as brothers, who were linked together with himself, in the grand cause of freedom, "nature's first best gift." His last night's excusable eves dropping, had let him into the real situation of his enemy's affairs. He was now certain that Sir William Berkeley's force was entirely composed of the desperate spirits who were the outcasts of the colony, and of the mixt crews formed from the refuse of all nations, who were in the navy. His own troops were, to a man, gentlemen of fortunes and of family; men who were urged on to resistance from the best principles alone, and who were alike faithful in times of adversity and

success.

As the morning's sun dissipated the heavy fog which hung like a cloud over the town and river,