. That which I determine to do, I do, sir, and the thing
I determine to have, why, sooner or later, by hook or by crook, fair
means or foul, I have it! I am not one to be crossed or defied with
impunity."

"I do not take your meaning, my lord," said the Governor, puzzled,
but courteous. "There are none here who would care to thwart, in any
honorable enterprise, a nobleman so high in the King's favor. I trust
that my Lord Carnal will make my poor house his own during his stay in
Virginia--What's the matter, my lord?"

My lord's face was dark red, his black eyes afire, his mustaches working
up and down. His white teeth had closed with a click on the loud oath
which had interrupted the Governor's speech. Honest Sir George and his
circle stared at this unaccountable guest in amazement not unmixed with
dismay. As for myself, I knew before he spoke what had caused the oath
and the fierce triumph in that handsome face. Master Jeremy Sparrow had
moved a little to one side, thus exposing to view that which his great
body had before screened from observation,--namely, Mistress Jocelyn
Percy.

In a moment the favorite was before her, hat in hand, bowing to the
ground.

"My quest hath ended where I feared it but begun!" he cried, flushed and
exultant. "I have found my Manoa sooner than I thought for. Have you no
welcome for me, lady?"

She withdrew her arm from mine and curtsied to him profoundly; then
stood erect, indignant and defiant, her eyes angry stars, her cheeks
carnation, scorn on her smiling lips.

"I cannot welcome you as you should be welcomed, my lord," she said in a
clear voice. "I have but my bare hands. Manoa, my lord, lies far to the
southward. This land is quite out of your course, and you will find here
but your travail for your pains. My lord, permit me to present to you my
husband, Captain Ralph Percy. I think that you know his cousin, my Lord
of Northumberland."

The red left the favorite's cheeks, and he moved as though a blow had
been dealt him by some invisible hand. Recovering himself he bowed
to me, and I to him, which done we looked each other in the eyes long
enough for each to see the thrown gauntlet.

"I raise it," I said.

"And I raise it," he answered.

"A l'outrance, I think, sir?" I continued.

"A l'outrance," he assented.

"And between us two alone," I suggested.

His answering smile was not good to see, nor was the tone in which he
spoke to the Governor good to hear.

"It is