d involuntarily grasping with his left hand the
sword that hung at his side, departed.

"Rude, unjust, fanatical, I had almost said blasphemous," exclaimed
the Knight, looking after him. "Ungracious Dudley! success crown all
thy plans, whereon the true church shall indeed set her seal, and
confounded be the devices of her enemies."

"Softly," with no heightened color, with no elevation of the voice,
with eyes turned up to heaven as if he were uttering a benediction,
spoke Sir Christopher. "And now, Master Arundel," he inquired, taking
the young man's arm, "hast found Sassacus?"

Arundel did not hesitate, after the permission given by the Indian,
which rightly seemed more like a request, to acquaint his friend with
the adventures of the night. Sir Christopher listened attentively,
making no comment till the narrative was concluded. He then said:

"The mystery of the morning is explained." And now, in his turn, he
related the discovery of the dead body and the indignation of the
Indians, and pointed to their canoes fading in the distance.

"The circumstances," he added, "in which we have obtained knowledge of
the secret locks it per force in our breasts; and, besides, Sassacus
is faultless, having only protected thy life and saved his own, which
is an additional reason. But, aside from these considerations, I see
not how the disclosure could be attended with any advantage. The chief
hath not shown himself hostile, or done aught to make himself amenable
to our jurisdiction. Were the story to get wind, it could only excite
more the revengeful feeling of the Taranteens and the ill-will of
malignant spirits among us, who, through the Pequot, have been
disappointed in expectations of trade."

There was no difference of opinion between the two, and it was
understood that they should be silent on the subject.

"Master Spikeman," said the Knight, addressing the Assistant who now
met them, "it is a pity we had not the benefit of thy prudent counsels
in a matter that hath just happened; yet do I trust that our conduct
will be approved by thy better judgment."

"Sir Christopher Gardiner stands in no need of the sanction of my poor
opinion for anything it may please him to do," answered Spikeman. "But
resolve me your riddle."

"Know you not that the ambassadors have left in anger?"

"I know it, and the knowledge fills me with foreboding sorrow."

"Whether we should have detained or allowed them to depart in their
present