empty except of this golden-headed staff, the gift of Mr.
Langton.'

"'One of these, if you will accept it,' answered Edward,
exhibiting a brace of pistols, 'will serve to begin the
conflict before you join the battle hand to hand.'

"'Nay, I shall find little safety in meddling with that
deadly instrument, since I know not accurately from which
end proceeds the bullet,' said Dr. Melmoth. 'But were it not
better, since we are so well provided with artillery, to
betake ourselves, in the event of an encounter, to some
stone wall or other place of strength?'

"'If I may presume to advise,' said the squire, 'you, as
being most valiant and experienced, should ride forward,
lance in hand (your long staff serving for a lance), while I
annoy the enemy from afar.'

"'Like Teucer, behind the shield of Ajax,' interrupted Dr.
Melmoth, 'or David with his stone and sling. No, no, young
man; I have left unfinished in my study a learned treatise,
important not only to the present age, but to posterity, for
whose sake I must take heed to my safety. But, lo! who rides
yonder?'"

On leaving college Hawthorne had gone back to live at Salem.

* * * * *