Arthur Stanhope stood on the stern of the principal vessel, and beside him Mr. Gibbons, a young man, who watched the progress of the pleasure-boat with eager solicitude,—­for it contained his mother and sisters.  It had then nearly reached the island; their pursuers, probably in despair of overtaking them, had relaxed their efforts, and rested on their oars, apparently undecided what course to follow.

“They are observing us,” said Stanhope’s companion, pointing to the French, “and I doubt they will return to the protection of their ship, and scarce leave us the liberty of disputing the way with them.”

“They will consult their prudence, in doing so,” replied Stanhope, “if their intentions are indeed hostile, as we have supposed.”

“If!” returned the other, “why else should they give chase to one of our peaceable boats, in that rude manner?  But, thank heaven!” he added, joyfully, “it is now safe; see! my mother has this moment sprung on shore, with her frightened band of damsels and children! ah!  I think they will not now admire the gallant Frenchmen, as they did last summer, when La Tour’s gay lieutenant was here, with his compliments and treaties!”

“I begin to think yonder vessel is from the same quarter,” said Arthur, thoughtfully; “Mons. de la Tour, perhaps, wishes to renew his alliance with us, or seeks aid to carry on his quarrel with Mons. d’Aulney, his rival in the government of Acadia.”

“God forbid!” said a deep, rough voice, which proceeded from the helmsman, “that we should have any fellowship with those priests of the devil, those monks and friars of popish France.”

“Spoke like an oracle, my honest fellow!” said Gibbons, laughing; “it is a pity that your zeal and discernment should not be rewarded by some office of public trust.”

“Truly, master Gibbons, we have fallen upon evil days, and the righteous no longer flourish, like green bay trees, in the high places of our land; but though cast out of mine honorable office, there are many who can testify to the zeal of my past services.”

“I doubt not there are many who have cause to remember it,” returned Gibbons, with a smile; “but bear a little to the leeward, unless you have a mind to convert yonder papists, by a few rounds of good powder and shot.”

This short dialogue was broken off, by an unexpected movement of the French, who, after lingering, as in doubt, at some distance from the island, suddenly recommenced rowing towards it, and at the same time struck up a lively air on the bugle, which floated cheerily over the waves.  Soon after, their keel touched the strand, close by the pleasure-boat, which was safely moored, and deserted by every individual.  The principal officer then leaped on shore, and walked leisurely towards the house of governor Winthrop.  Stanhope also landed in a short time, and, with Mr. Gibbons, proceeded directly to the governor’s.  The mansion exhibited no appearance of alarm; the windows