the providential
deliverance, which he had experienced. But we must forbear entering into
a detailed account of the old man's sermon, merely contenting ourselves
with announcing, that such was the effect produced, that at the next
baptizing day, old Elder Snivel was refreshed by a perfect pentecost of
converts, who attributed their "new birf" to the wrestling of "brudder
Giles."

We return to Berkenhead, who, at the command of Col. Ludwell, was
escorted, under the guard before mentioned, into the presence of Sir
William Berkeley. The dogged and insolent demeanour of the man was even
more displeasing to the Governor than the quiet and resolute manner of
Hansford, and in a loud, threatening voice, he cried,

"Here comes another hemp-pulling knave. 'Fore God, the colony will have
to give up the cultivation of tobacco, and engage in raising hemp, for
we are like to have some demand for it. Hark ye, sir knave--do you know
the nature of the message which you have aided in bearing from the
traitor Bacon to myself?"

"Not I, your honour--no more than my carbine knows whether it is loaded
or not. It's little the General takes an old soldier like me into his
counsels; but I only know it is my duty to obey, if I were sent to the
devil with a message," and the villain looked archly at the Governor.

"Your language is something of the most insolent," said Sir William.
"But tell me instantly, did you have no conversation with Major Hansford
on your way hither, and if so, what was it?"

"Little else than abuse, your honour," returned Berkenhead, "and a
threat that I would be beat over the head if I didn't hold my tongue;
and as I didn't care to converse at such a disadvantage, I was e'en
content to keep my own counsel for the rest of the way."

"Do you, or do you not, consider Bacon and his followers to be engaged
in rebellion against the government?"

"Rebellion, your honour!" cried the renegade. "Why, was it not your
honour's self that sent us after these salvages? An' I thought there was
any other design afloat, I would soon show them who was the rebel. It is
not the first time that I have done the State some service by betraying
treason."

"Look ye," said the Governor, eyeing the fellow keenly, "if I mistake
not, you are an old acquaintance. Is your name Berkenhead?"

"The same, at your honour's service."

"And didn't you betray the servile plot of 1662, and get your liberty
and a reward for it?"

"Yes, your honour,