for
she saw the force of Hansford's views, "how can you shun this
threatening danger? Whither can you fly?"

"My only hope," said Hansford, gloomily, "is to leave the Colony and
seek refuge in Maryland, though I fear that this is hopeless. If I fail
in this, then I must lurk in some hiding place until instructions from
England may arrive, and check the vindictive Berkeley in his ruthless
cruelty."

"And is there a hope of that!" said Virginia, quickly.

"There is a faint hope, and that slender thread is all that hangs
between me and a traitor's doom. But I rely with some confidence upon
the mild and humane policy pursued by Charles toward the enemies of his
father. At any rate, it is all that is left me, and you know the
proverb," he added, with a sad smile, "'A drowning man catches at
straws.' Any chance, however slight, appears larger when seen through
the gloom of approaching despair, just as any object seems greater when
seen through a mist."

"It is not, it shall not be slight," said the hopeful girl, "we will lay
hold upon it with firm and trusting hearts, and it will cheer us in our
weary way, and then--"

But here the conversation was interrupted by the sound of approaching
footsteps, and the light, graceful form of Mamalis stood before them.
The quick ear of the Indian girl had caught the first low notes of
Hansford's serenade, even while she slept, and listening attentively to
the sound, she had heard Virginia leave the room and go down stairs.
Alarmed at her prolonged absence, Mamalis could no longer hesitate on
the propriety of ascertaining its cause, and hastily dressing herself,
she ran down to the open door and joined the lovers as we have stated.

"We are discovered," said Hansford, in a surprised but steady voice.
"Farewell, Virginia." And he was about to rush from the place, when
Virginia interposed.

"Fear nothing from her," she said. "Her trained ear caught the sounds of
our voices more quickly than could the duller senses of the European.
You are in no danger; and her opportune presence suggests a plan for
your escape."

"What is that?" asked Hansford, anxiously.

"First tell me," said Virginia, "how long it will probably be before the
milder policy of Charles will arrest the Governor in his vengeance."

"It is impossible to guess with accuracy--if, indeed, it ever should
come. But the king has heard for some time of the suppression of the
enterprise, and it can scarcely be more than t