nor,
expressing himself satisfied with his disclaimer and open recantation of
any treasonable design, released him from imprisonment on parole, and,
as is reported, promised at the same time to grant him the commission he
desired. Mr. Bacon, hearing of the sickness of his wife, returned to
Henrico, and while there, secret warrants were issued to arrest him
again. Upon a knowledge of this fact he refused to surrender himself
under his parole."

"You have made a very clear case of it, if the facts be true," said
Bernard, in a taunting tone, "and seem to be well acquainted with the
motives and movements of the traitor. I have no doubt there are many
among his deluded followers who fail to appreciate the full force of a
parole d'honneur."

"Sir!" said Hansford, his face flushing with indignation.

"I only remarked," said Bernard, in reply, "that a traitor to his
country knows but little of the laws which govern honourable men. My
remark only applied to traitors, and such I conceive the followers and
supporters of Nathaniel Bacon to be."

Hansford only replied with a bow.

"And so does Tom," said Temple, "and so do we all, Mr. Bernard. But
Hansford knew Bacon before this late movement of his, and he is very
loth to hear his old friend charged with anything that he does not
deserve. But see, my wife there is nodding over her knitting, and
Jeanie's pretty blue eyes, I know, begin to itch. Our motto is, Mr.
Bernard, to go to bed with the chickens and rise with the lark. But we
have failed in the first to-night, and I reckon we will sleep a little
later than lady lark to-morrow. So, to bed, to bed, my lord."

So saying, the hospitable old gentleman called a servant to show the
gentlemen to their separate apartments.

"You will be able to sleep in an old planter's cabin, Mr. Bernard," he
said, "where you will find all clean and comfortable, although perhaps a
little rougher than you are accustomed to. Tom, boy, you know the ways
of the house, and I needn't apologize to you. And so pleasant dreams and
a good night to you both."

After the Colonel had gone, and before the servant had appeared,
Hansford touched Bernard lightly on the shoulder. The latter turned
around with some surprise.

"You must be aware, Mr. Bernard," said Hansford, "that your language
to-night remained unresented only because of my respect for the company
in which we were."

"I did not deem it of sufficient importance," replied Bernard, assuming
a