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 incapable of
conceiving of such falsehood as the other's. It seemed to him now that
Prudence might be mistaken, and have converted a mere compliment into
an insult, so contrary appeared, the intimations which she had made to
what was to be expected 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, but 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 arrested again."

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

"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 c