“I am ignorant,” said La Tour, contemptuously, “of that duty which would lead a man to play the coward in a moment of difficulty, and tamely turn from an enemy, who has insultingly defied him, when one effort can crush him in his grasp.”

“We are not actuated by revenge,” returned Mr. Leveret; “neither have we pledged ourselves to support your quarrel with M. d’Aulney; but touching our agreement to convoy you to your fort of St. John’s, we are ready to fulfil it, even at the peril of our lives.”

“These are nice distinctions,” said La Tour, angrily; “and had you explained them more fully at the outset, I should have known what dependence could be placed on your protection.”

“We abhor deceit,” said Mr. Leveret, calmly; “and that which we have promised, we are ready to perform; but we are not permitted to turn aside from this design, to pursue an enemy who flees before us.”

“As our conduct in this affair is entirely a matter of conscience and private opinion,” said Arthur Stanhope, “I presume every one is at liberty to consult his own wishes, and follow the dictates of his own judgment; for myself, I have freely offered to assist M. de la Tour to the extent of my abilities, and I wait his commands in whatever service he may choose to employ me.”

“I expected this, from the honour of your profession; and the frankness of your character,” said La Tour, with warmth; “and believe me, your laurels will not be tarnished, in the cause you have so generously espoused.”

“I trust, young man,” said Mr. Leveret, “that you are aware of the responsibility you incur, by acting thus openly in opposition to the opinion of so many older and more experienced than yourself.”

“I have no doubt that many will be ready to censure me,” returned Stanhope; “and some, perhaps, whose judgments I much respect; but I stand acquitted to my own conscience, and am ready to give an answer for what I do, to any who have a right to question me.”

“And the crew of your vessel?”—­asked Mr. Leveret.

“I shall use no undue influence with any one,” interrupted Stanhope; “though I think there is scarcely a man in my service, who is not resolved to follow me to the end of this enterprise.”

“We part, then,” said Mr. Leveret; “and may heaven prosper you in all your lawful undertakings.”

“Your emphasis on the word lawful,” returned Stanhope, “implies a doubt, which I hope will soon be discarded; but, in the mean time, let as many as choose return with you, and I doubt not there will be enough left with us to assist M. de la Tour on this occasion.”

The conference was shortly terminated; and it was amicably settled, that those who hesitated to depart from the strict letter of their agreement, should proceed in three of the English vessels, with M. de la Tour, to fort St. John’s.  De Valette and Stanhope were left in command of the two largest ships, with discretionary powers to employ them as circumstances might render expedient.