“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 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 precise?”

“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 hereafter 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 Christopher, “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 welcomes 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.

“Present to the Governor,” he said, in conclusion, “my congratulations 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 Taranteens should avoid one another.  Only therein is safety.  Say also that I purpose, after needful rest, to wait upon him tomorrow, to enjoy once more the charm of his gracious society, and to possess him more fully of our deeds.”