chance to avow my anxious desire to secure thy friendship."

"If such truly be the wish of Sir Christopher Gardiner," returned the
Assistant, "it is a thing easy to be compassed."

The countenance of the Knight lighted up, as he replied, "I rejoice
greatly at thy words."

"But," continued Spikeman, "I am a man of deeds and not of words. I
will be plain with you, Sir Christopher, and show you that it is no
fault of mine that I have been unable (however much desiring it) to
look upon you as a well wisher of mine, but your own. Have you not
interfered in favor of, and harbored, that Philip Joy, convicted of
contumelious language against the magistrates and elders, and whom, I
have reason to believe, is specially evil-disposed toward myself; and
are you not now in open familiarity with, and a supporter of this
young man, who but just now parted from you; who deigned not, even by
a look, to notice me; and whose business here seems to be to scatter
reports intended to work detriment to my character? It is conduct like
this which hath separated us one from the other."

"Master Spikeman," said the Knight, deprecatingly, "the relation
wherein I stand to Philip is of public notoriety, and, therefore,
cannot be unknown to you; and, meseems, is sufficient to excuse the
slight favor I show him. Yet, herein will I approve myself loyal unto
my regard for thee. I believe thou errest in ascribing an evil intent
on the part of Philip, but if he cherish any such, I will take order
with him, which shall redound to thy satisfaction. As for this Master
Arundel, thou layest more stress upon a casual acquaintance with him
than it deserves. I countenance him not. I attach no more consequence
to what he may say than belongs to the prattle of a beardless boy.
Wouldst have me rude to one who enlivens my solitude, being fresh with
news from the old world, and who visits me only through a like love
with myself of sylvan sports?"

"I presume not to dictate to Sir Christopher Gardiner," said Spikeman,
coldly, "who shall be his associates, or what course in any respect he
shall pursue. You will remember that your exculpation (such as it is)
was volunteered by yourself."

The eyes of the Knight fell to the ground at this ungracious reply, so
that his resentment, if he felt any, was hid under their drooping
lids. A faint suffusion passed over his face, but after the pause of a
moment, he extended his hand with a smile, while he said:

"I will fi