The merchants, and others of my rank, scoff at these rumours, and have in full council denounced their authors as slanderers; but the lower class still hold to their belief.

Men scowl as I walk along; the boys shout 'Traitor!' after me; and I have received threatening letters." "But this is abominable," Rupert said, hotly.

"Is there no way of dealing with these slanderers ?" "No," the merchant said; "I see none, beyond living it down.

Some enemy is at work, steadily and powerfully." "Have you any enemy you suspect ?" "None, save indeed that rascal countryman of yours.

He is desperate, and, as you know, relentless.