He walked the quarter-deck with impatient steps, while waiting the boat's return, and even his French complaisance could not disguise the chagrin and anger which he felt.
"I have desired your attendance here, gentlemen," he said in a haughty tone, as they approached him, "to learn how far I may rely on the services which have been so freely proffered to me." "As far as our duty to God and our country will permit, sir," replied one, whose seniority entitled him to take a lead in the discourse.
"Mr.Leveret hath spoken rightly," said another; "and I question if it is our duty to draw the sword when we are not expressly called to do so, and especially, as in this instance, when it would seem far better for it to remain in the scabbard." "I am ignorant," said La Tour, contemptuously, "of that _duty_ which would lead a man to play the coward in a moment of difficulty, and tamely turn from an enemy, who has insultingly defied him, when one effort can crush him in his grasp." "_We_ are not actuated by revenge," returned Mr.Leveret; "neither have we pledged ourselves to support your quarrel with M.d'Aulney; but touching our agreement to convoy you to your fort of St.John's, we are ready to fulfil it, even at the peril of our lives." "These are nice distinctions," said La Tour, angrily; "and had you explained them more fully at the outset, I should have known what dependence could be placed on your protection." "We abhor deceit," said Mr.Leveret, calmly; "and that which we have promised, we are ready to perform; but we are not permitted to turn aside from this design, to pursue an enemy who flees before us." "As our conduct in this affair is entirely a matter of conscience and private opinion," said Arthur Stanhope, "I presume every one is at liberty to consult his own wishes, and follow the dictates of his own judgment; for myself, I have freely offered to assist M.de la Tour to the extent of my abilities, and I wait his commands in whatever service he may choose to employ me." "I expected this, from the honour of your profession; and the frankness of your character," said La Tour, with warmth; "and believe me, your laurels will not be tarnished, in the cause you have so generously espoused." "I trust, young man," said Mr.Leveret, "that you are aware of the responsibility you incur, by acting thus openly in opposition to the opinion of so many older and more experienced than yourself." "I have no doubt that many will be ready to censure me," returned Stanhope; "and some, perhaps, whose judgments I much respect; but I stand acquitted to my own conscience, and am ready to give an answer for what I do, to any who have a right to question me." "And the crew of your vessel ?"--asked Mr.Leveret.
"I shall use no undue influence with any one," interrupted Stanhope; "though I think there is scarcely a man in my service, who is not resolved to follow me to the end of this enterprise." "We part, then," said Mr.Leveret; "and may heaven prosper you in all your _lawful_ undertakings." "Your emphasis on the word _lawful_," returned Stanhope, "implies a doubt, which I hope will soon be discarded; but, in the mean time, let as many as choose return with you, and I doubt not there will be enough left with us to assist M.de la Tour on this occasion." The conference was shortly terminated; and it was amicably settled, that those who hesitated to depart from the strict letter of their agreement, should proceed in three of the English vessels, with M.de la Tour, to fort St.John's.

De Valette and Stanhope were left in command of the two largest ships, with discretionary powers to employ them as circumstances might render expedient.
The delay which these arrangements necessarily occasioned, was improved to the utmost by M.d'Aulney.

Convinced, that he was unable to cope with the superior force, which opposed him, he took advantage of a favorable wind, and, at an early hour, crowded sail for his fort at Penobscot.

De Valette and Stanhope pursued, as soon as they were at liberty; but, though they had occasional glimpses of his vessels through the day, they found it impossible to come up with them.

Night at length terminated the fruitless chase; they were imperfectly acquainted with the coast, and again obliged to anchor, when day-light no longer served to direct their course in the difficult waters they were navigating.
Morning shone brightly on the wild shores of the Penobscot, within whose ample basin the vessels of De Valette and Stanhope rode securely at anchor.