ne, of the
Parliament. Why did you not bring it to me at once?"

"I should have done so," answered Le Gallais.

"It contains matter of the utmost moment," added the governor, after
finishing the perusal. "Are you aware of its contents?"

"Of its general purport, yes," answered Le Gallais. "The emissaries of
Queen Henrietta are due from S. Malo this day. They will not go to you
(unless they are forced) nor yet to Mr. Secretary Nicholas. They are the
bringers of a secret communication from the queen mother to her son. You
see, sir, that I may be trusted."

"By the faith of a gentleman, it is too strong," cried the governor, in
an impassioned voice. "Was ever honour or gratitude known among that
family? But I care not. Your friends, M. Le Gallais, are my enemies. If
Whitelock and company send to this island all the rebels outside the
gates of hell I will fight them. You may depart and take them that
message from me."

Le Gallais did not move. "But in case of a French force landing--?"

"In that case, sir," answered the governor, and his voice rose to a
quarter-deck shout. "In that case it would be 'up with the red cross
ensign and England for ever!'"

Le Gallais rose and in a gentler tone echoed the cry, sharing the
generous impulse.

"Now go," said the governor, more gently, "go to the buttery and get
thyself refreshed. I know what a sailor's appetite can be. No words; you
came from England last night. God bless England and all her friends!"

So saying the governor departed, and in a few minutes more was seen to
mount his horse at the fort gate and gallop towards S. Helier, followed
by a single orderly.

Immediately on arriving at the town, Sir George's first care was to send
his follower to the Denonciateur and order him to summon an
extraordinary meeting of the States. After which be went on to the
Castle and demanded an immediate audience of the King.

Charles was sitting in his chamber, indolently trimming his nails. A
tall swash-buckler, with a red nose and a black patch over his eye, was
with him, also seated and conversing with familiar earnestness, as the
governor entered.

"How now?" asked the King, with some show of energy; "To what are we
indebted for the honour of this sudden visit? Were you not told, Sir
George, that we were giving private audience to Major Querto?"

"Faith I was, Sir," answered Carteret, with a seaman's bluntness. "But,
under your pardon, I am Lieutenant-Governor of this isla