rabble of Irish cut-throats,
Flemish mercenaries, and such-like, and no lack of Maulevriers to be
their leaders."

"But if such men come into Jersey," said the Bailiff, "who can say when
or how they would quit, or what mischief they might not have wrought
first."

"One remedy for that," said the soldier, grimly, "will be to storm the
Castle forthwith, and let all be over before their friends can arrive."

"For God's sake, do not so!" cried Lempriere; "not now that they have
surrendered."

"I will be bail," added Prynne, "that Carteret shall depart in peace,
after giving up all that is in his charge. Only let Captain Le Gallais
go to him with a note of your Honour's terms; and let us await, I pray
you, his return."

The General having at last consented, after just so much show of
hesitation as to make it appear that the terms were yielded to the
persuasion of his chief associates, Le Gallais returned with the drummer
bearing the _ultimatum_ of the English commander. He found the interior
of the Castle a scene of havoc; among the _debris_ Carteret, like a
modern Marius, maintained an air of resolution.

"It is not enough, Captain," said he, after brief salutations had been
exchanged, "that we have fired away all our ammunition, and eaten our
last horse, while the blockade of your friend's cruisers ever increases
its rigour. After all was done, we could die in the breach or in a
general sortie. But there is treachery abroad. Not indeed among
ourselves, but among those whom we desire to serve."

"Your King, urged by his necessities, would sell you to the French?"

"It shall not be!" cried Carteret, with a fierce oath. "Let me see your
General's terms. Better an English Parliament than a Popish King." He
called into the corridor, "Bring the best bottle of wine that is left in
my cellar!"

Le Gallais handed him the note containing the heads of Haine's terms.
"Perhaps, messire, you would consult with your council?" he asked.

"_'A quoi bon?_" said Carteret. "You heard what the States carried by
acclamation, in October, 1649? All who are with me are of the same mind
still." The wine was brought. "What was said then in a triumph, I say
now in the day of my downfall; Captain, fill your glass! 'England for
ever! England above all!'"

* * * * *

The happy effect of this unexpected but welcome end of strife was soon
made known throughout the island. In the towns and villages tar-barrels