information of divers persons (and they strangers to one another),
together with the Lord Jermyn's total neglect of the island in regard of
the provisions that he hath not sent as promised nor repaid sums of
money lent to your service by the people, have led us to sign a paper of
association for which we shall crave your gracious approval. We doubt
not you will agree with us that the delivery of the islands to the
French is not consistent with the duty and fidelity of Englishmen, and
would be an irreparable loss to the nation besides being an indelible
dishonour to the Crown."

As Charles took the paper handed him for perusal by Nicholas, a flush
arose upon his swarthy countenance.

"Enough said, my Lords and gentlemen! We need not that any should
instruct us as to our duty."

"We trust not," cried Carteret, bluffly. "If the French come here we
shall give them a sour welcome; and as to my Lord the Governor, he will
find," and he slipped in his eagerness into his native tongue, "that he
has made _le marché de la peau de l'ours qui ne seroit pas encore tué_."

Presently the little Council broke up. The King, after glancing at the
paper of association, consented that Lord Hopton--in whose diplomatic
abilities he perhaps did not feel much confidence--should proceed at
once to the Hague, and lay the case before the States General of Holland
as the power most interested--after England--in sifting and, if need
were, opposing the designs of France. Meanwhile the articles of the
association were not to be divulged; the whole affair being kept a
profound secret and mystery of State.