?"

"It won't cut deep as dis wound, but I will sharpen it on my broken
heart," replied Manteo, with a heavy sigh.

"Right bravely said. And now farewell; I will help you as I can," said
Alfred Bernard, as he turned and rode away, while the poor Indian sank
down again upon his rude log seat, his head resting on his hands.

"And this the world calls villainy!" mused Bernard, as he rode along.
"But it is the weapon with which nature has armed the weak, that he may
battle with the strong. For what purpose was the faculty of intrigue
bestowed upon man, if it were not to be exercised? and, if exercised at
all, why surely it can never be directed to a purer object than the
accomplishment of good. Thus, then, what the croaking moralist calls
evil, may always be committed if good be the result; and what higher
good can be attained in life than happiness, and what purer happiness
can there be than revenge? No man shall ever cross my path but once with
safety, and this young Virginia rebel has already done so. He has shown
his superior skill and courage with the sword, and has made me ask my
life at his hands. Let him look to it that he may not have to plead for
his own life in vain. This young Indian's thirst will not be quenched
but with blood. By the way, a lucky hit was that. His infernal yell is
sounding in my ears yet. But Hansford stands in my way besides. This
fair young maiden, with her beauty, her intellect, and her land, may
make my fortune yet; and who can blame the poor, friendless orphan, if
he carve his way to honour and independence even through the blood of a
rival. The poor, duped savage whom I just left, said that he was his own
worst enemy; I am wiser in being my own best friend. Tell me not of the
world--it is mine oyster, which I will open by my wits as well as by my
sword. Prate not of morality and philanthropy. Man is a microcosm, a
world within himself, and he only is a wise one who uses the world
without for the success of the world within. Once supplant this Hansford
in the love of his betrothed bride, and I succeed to the broad acres of
Windsor Hall. Old Berkeley shall be the scaffolding by which I will rise
to power and position, and when he rots down, the building I erect will
be but the fairer for the riddance. Who recks the path which he has
trod, when home and happiness are in view? What general thinks of the
blood he has shed, when the shout of victory rings in his ears? Be true
to yourself, Al