y,
more than once, suffered for the error. When they expelled Dunmore they
committed treason against the British crown; and they are wise enough to
know that that cup, once tasted, must be drained to the bottom: they
have, therefore, imbrued their hands the deeper in rebellion. They have
raised their idol of democracy high, and have fenced it about with the
penalties of confiscation and death to those who refuse to bow before
it: and now they stand pledged to the prosecution of their unnatural
war, by such a bond of fate as unites mariners who have rashly ventured
forth upon a raging sea, in a bark of doubtful strength; their minds
braced up, by the thought of instant perdition, to the daring effort
necessary to reach their haven."

"That haven shall they never reach," cried Tyrrel impatiently. "Let them
invoke the aid of their patron devils! We have a spell shall conjure
them back again to their own hell, else there is no virtue in the forged
steel which these rebels have felt before."

"The battle is not always to the strong," said Lindsay, "nor is the
craft of soldiership without its chances."

"If we had listened, my friend," said Tyrrel, "to musty proverbs,
Charleston would have this day been in the secure and peaceful
possession of the enemy. All that you say against our present scheme was
heretofore urged, though not with such authority, perhaps, against the
invasion of Carolina. And yet how prettily have we gainsaid the
prophets! Look at their principal town surrendered--all the country
strongholds delivered up--the people flocking to our standard for
protection--and the whole province lifting up a voice of gratitude for
the deliverance we have wrought them. They are even now arming
themselves in our behalf, whilst the shattered fragments of the rebel
force are flying to the swamps and their mountain fastnesses. Why should
not the same game be as well played in Virginia? Trust me, Mr. Lindsay,
your caution somewhat over-leaps that wholesome moderation, which I do
not deny is necessary to check a too sanguine reckoning. Come, good sir,
lend us a more auspicious counsel. Sir Henry relies much upon your
wisdom, and will not, with good heart, forego your service."

"Sir Henry has sadly disturbed my repose," returned Lindsay. "To tell
the truth, I have no stomach for this business. Here, I am native to the
province: I have found old friends separated from me; early associations
torn up by the roots; and the eleme