"The Lord may raise her up a helper," I said.

"At least she won't have to marry him." He turned on his heel and moved back to his former station between us two.

"My Lord Carnal," he said, "and you, Captain Percy, heed what I say; for what I say I will do.

You may take your choice: either you will sheathe your swords here in my presence, giving me your word of honor that you will not draw them upon each other before his Majesty shall have made known his will in this matter to the Company, and the Company shall have transmitted it to me, in token of which truce between you you shall touch each other's hands; or you will pass the time between this and the return of the ship with the King's and the Company's will in strict confinement,--you, Captain Percy, in gaol, and you, my Lord Carnal, in my own poor house, where I will use my best endeavors to make the days pass as pleasantly as possible for your lordship.

I have spoken, gentlemen." There was no protest.