rnard resting upon
him with such an expression of suspicion, that he could not avoid
wincing. Bernard had no idea of losing the advantage which he thus
possessed, and with wily caution he prepared a snare for his victim,
more sure of success than an immediate attack would have been.

"I think I have heard something of the case," he said, fixing a
penetrating glance on Hansford as he spoke, "and I agree with Mr.
Hansford, that its details here would not be very interesting to the
ladies. By the way, Colonel, your conjecture, that Mr. Hansford was
employed in the suppression of the rebellion, reminds me of a
circumstance that I had almost forgotten to mention. You have heard of
that fellow Bacon's perjury--"

"Perjury!" exclaimed the Colonel. "No! on the contrary I had been given
to understand that, with all his faults, his personal honour was so far
unstained, even with suspicion."

"Such was the general impression," returned Bernard, "but it is now
proven that he is as capable of the greatest perfidy as of the most
daring treason."

"You probably refer, sir, to an affair," said Hansford, "of which I have
some knowledge, and on which I may throw some light which will be more
favorable to Mr. Bacon."

"Your being able to conjecture so easily the fact to which I allude,"
said Bernard, "is in itself an evidence that the general impression of
his conduct is not so erroneous. I am happy," he added, with a sneer,
"that in this free country, a rebel even can meet with so disinterested
a defender."

"If you refer, Mr. Bernard," replied Hansford, disregarding the manner
of Bernard, "to the alleged infraction of his parole, I can certainly
explain it. I know that Colonel Temple does not, and I hope that you do
not, wish deliberately to do any man an injustice, even if he be a foe
or a rebel."

"That's true, my boy," said the generous old Temple. "Give the devil his
due, even he is not as black as he is painted. That's my maxim. How was
it, Tom? And begin at the beginning, that's the only way to straighten a
tangled skein."

"Then, as I understand the story," said Hansford, in a slow, distinct,
voice, "it is this:--After Mr. Bacon returned to Henrico from his
expedition against the Indians, he was elected to the House of
Burgesses. On attempting to go down the river to Jamestown, to take his
seat, he was arrested by Captain Gardiner, on a charge of treason, and
brought as a prisoner before Sir William Berkeley. The Gover