om
Arundel perceived was one of the soldiers who ordinarily mounted guard
before the door of the Governor.

"This," said the Knight, handing the letter to the messenger, "to
Governor Winthrop, and a fair return to thyself."

The man took the letter, and, after making the military salute of the
period, turned on his way to Boston.

"Here has come," said Sir Christopher, after the usual greetings, "a
request from the Governor that I would undertake an embassy to the
Taranteens, to soothe their excited minds and prevent an outbreak."

"May I inquire what is your reply?" asked Arundel.

"How canst thou doubt? Surely, where honor and good deeds invite, no
true knight can turn back."

"I am to understand, then, that you have accepted the office of
mediator?"

"I have accepted the trust, hoping that good may grow out thereof."

"And when is it you purpose to depart?"

"Incontinently. The matter brooks no delay."

"Then have I a petition to prefer, which, I hope, will meet with the
same favor as the Governor's. Let me attend thee on this journey."

The suddenness of the request appeared to embarrass the Knight for an
instant; but it was only for an instant.

"Hast thou fully considered," he asked, "the perils whereunto thou
dost expose thy young life? What would be the condition of Eveline
Dunning shouldst thou never return?"

"My life is not more valuable than thine, and the situation of Eveline
would be no worse than that of thine own relative."

"Aye, but consider the difference in our positions. Glory, duty,
summon me irresistibly; whereas, thou hast no calling other than
curiosity."

"Say not so," exclaimed the young man, with feeling. "I will not deny
the motive assigned; but believe me there are others, whereof you
would not disapprove."

"May I know them?"

"Needs it that I should say how greatly I admire thee; how gladly I
would follow in thy knightly footsteps; how any peril would be
welcome, if partaken with thee?"

Sir Christopher turned away. "I did not think," he said to himself,
"his affection was so great."

"Master Arundel," he replied, walking back, "I do prize thy friendship
more than precious jewels; but I were untrue to that love, should I
expose thee to danger. For myself, I were a recreant, and no knight,
could I, because of danger, refuse to obey a call to benefit my
fellow-men; but, for thee, it is a reckless and unneeded temptation of
peril. Deem me not unkind, but think it is