"It must be with something more than the blast of a trumpet," returned
De Valette; "if common report speaks truth, he has strongly intrenched
himself in this same fort that he took from the worthy puritans, some
few years since. In truth, I think we do them good service by avenging
this old grievance, which they have so long complained of, and I doubt
if we are not indebted in some measure to this same grudge for the
benefit of their assistance."

"I care not by what motives they are actuated," said La Tour, "as long
as my own designs are accomplished; and our chief concern, at present,
is to take advantage of this favourable crisis, and, if possible, to get
under sail, before the enemy hears of our success, and makes his
escape."

"Yes," said De Valette, "and before our friends have time to change
their minds, and withdraw the promised assistance."

"Why do you suggest such an idea?" asked La Tour, his brow darkening
with displeasure; "by heavens, they dare not provoke me by so gross an
act of treachery!"

"I do not think they intend it," returned De Valette; "but you know
there is a powerful opposition to our interest in this good town, and if
any of their worthy _teachers_ should chance to hit upon a text of
scripture which they could interpret against us,--farewell to the
expected aid! Nay," he added, laughing, "I believe there are already
some, who fancy they see the cloven foot of popery beneath our plain
exterior, and, if that should once shew itself, why, they would as soon
fight for the devil, to whom they might think us very closely allied."