frame of mind, is the question which I would submit to thy
decision?"

"I presume not to arraign any conclusion, whereunto either the
worshipful deputy or Sir Christopher Gardiner may arrive. Doubtless,
they acted after grave consideration."

"Yet, being asked, tell me, with thy usual candor, Master Spikeman,
what you yourself would have done in like circumstances?"

The Assistant saw the snare, and determined that the Knight should
derive no advantage from the question. He perceived that the object
was to estop, by his admissions, any objections to the course pursued
in permitting the Taranteens to leave, which he might afterwards be
disposed to make. He, therefore, replied:

"Never be it said that I officiously obtruded an opinion; but, Sir
Christopher, thus urged, I confess that it had better pleased me had
the savages been detained. Opportunity might then have been afforded
to disabuse their ignorance and convince them of our innocence."

"I will not say thou art in the wrong, but if the excellent Dudley
erred, it is a strange departure from his ordinary admirable
judgment."

"I pray thee to understand that I impugn not the action of the
judicious Deputy Governor; but wherefore gave you not--you who are so
well acquainted with the nature of these heathens--advice to stop them
for the present?"

"And how know you I gave it not? But truly, Master Spikeman, I did
not. I trust I am not forward to speak before princes. For what saith
Holy Scripture: 'Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted
wise; and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of
understanding.' Yet had I seen any imminent danger from allowing the
departure of the savages, believe me I had spoken, even at the risk of
incurring the dishonor to see my counsel rejected."

"It is evident, Sir Christopher, that you have grave doubts on the
subject. Now, methinks, it had been well to remember (casting aside,
as an inconvenient garment, these scruples) what the wise king of
Israel also said, in another place: 'Where no counsel is, the people
fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.'"

"It pains me," answered the Knight, whose courtesy increased with the
other's coldness, "not to obtain thine approval. But, Master Spikeman,
now that we are alone, (for Arundel, at the very beginning of the
conversation, without greeting, or in any wise noticing, the
Assistant, had passed on and was out of sight), I avail myself of the
good