e followed this Randolph where he went and
wrought evil in all the subsequent events of his life, and that its
effect was seen, likewise, in the manner of his death. They say, too,
that the inward misery of that curse worked itself outward and was
visible on the wretched man's countenance, making it too horrible to
be looked upon. If so, and if this picture truly represented his
aspect, it was in mercy that the cloud of blackness has gathered over
it."

"These traditions are folly to one who has proved, as I have, how little
of historic truth lies at the bottom," said the lieutenant-governor.
"As regards the life and character of Edward Randolph, too implicit
credence has been given to Dr. Cotton Mather, who--I must say it,
though some of his blood runs in my veins--has filled our early
history with old women's tales as fanciful and extravagant as those of
Greece or Rome."

"And yet," whispered Alice Vane, "may not such fables have a moral?
And methinks, if the visage of this portrait be so dreadful, it is not
without a cause that it has hung so long in a chamber of the
province-house. When the rulers feel themselves irresponsible, it were
well that they should be reminded of the awful weight of a people's
curse."

The lieutenant-governor started and gazed for a moment at his niece,
as if her girlish fantasies had struck upon some feeling in his own
breast which all his policy or principles could not entirely subdue.
He knew, indeed, that Alice, in spite of her foreign education,
retained the native sympathies of a New England girl.

"Peace, silly child!" cried he, at last, more harshly than he had ever
before addressed the gentle Alice. "The rebuke of a king; is more to
be dreaded than the clamor of a wild, misguided multitude.--Captain
Lincoln, it is decided: the fortress of Castle William must be
occupied by the royal troops. The two remaining regiments shall be
billeted in the town or encamped upon the Common. It is time, after
years of tumult, and almost rebellion, that His Majesty's government
should have a wall of strength about it."

"Trust, sir--trust yet a while to the loyalty of the people," said
Captain Lincoln, "nor teach them that they can ever be on other terms
with British soldiers than those of brotherhood, as when they fought
side by side through the French war. Do not convert the streets of
your native town into a camp. Think twice before you give up old
Castle William, the key of the province,