he delicate attentions which make my imprisonment sweet,
receive my unforgetting gratitude. I, too, whatever unjust suspicion
may inflict, will revert to these our religious and philosophic hours,
wherein we discussed questions nobler than those which, in the shades
of Tusculum, engaged the minds of the great Roman orator and of his
friends, with a satisfaction which shall not run out with the sands in
the hour-glass of time."

"If outraged, by I scarcely know what wild reports, for the moment,"
replied Bradford, "I entreat you to forgive it, and to believe me that
I believe them not. Remember that David fled before his enemies, yet
the Lord delivered him and brought him to great honor."

"I am not worthy to be joined in thought with the Shepherd King, who,
to the ringing strings of the harp, warbled inspiration," said the
Knight. "Yet, noble sir, do I accept your words of cheer, and they
shall be a buoy to bear me up as I cross this tempestuous Jordan. When
is it your purpose that I should depart? Accompany you me, or go I
melancholy, alone?"

"As for the first question, you shall remain at your pleasure, or
until Governor Winthrop requires your presence; as for the latter,
though unable to leave home at present, I hope shortly to be at
leisure. Thus generally can I answer, but present or absent, my best
wishes shall attend you."

The above conversation is sufficient to give an idea of the relation
of the Governor and Knight to one another, and of the feelings of
both. In truth, the enjoyment of Sir Christopher was almost as great
as Bradford's, and neither manifested any desire to shorten their
intercourse. Every leisure moment devoted the Plymouth Governor to his
agreeable companion--their conversations turning more on questions of
literature than on political matters. These latter, the Knight
avoided, seeking thereby to impress the other with the opinion, that
he felt but little interest in them.

In this manner passed the time, until one morning the Governor
announced that messengers had arrived from Winthrop, commissioned to
wait on Sir Christopher to his presence.

"I grieve," said Bradford, "that I cannot go with you. Matters of
instant importance demand my presence here, but so far as friendly
words in a letter may avail they shall not be wanting. May it please
you to be ready at your convenience, and meanwhile I will prepare my
epistle."

At the time appointed, four armed men appeared at the Governor'