"Well, you must ultimately surrender."
Lieutenant Matson was greatly distressed by the stubbornness of Captain Lane. He reminded him of the helpless women and children in the town, and asked him, for their sakes, to consider the crime of resisting; but it was all in vain. Captain Lane had been chosen by the people to defend them, and he swore he was no Hull to yield at the sight of an enemy.
"No, sir; when our guns are dismounted, our walls battered down, our houses burned, and there is not a man able to hold a lanyard, then it is time to think of surrendering."
"Very well, Captain, if such is your resolution, I must leave you; but permit me to conduct Miss Morgianna to a place of safety. She would be safe on board the Xenophon and I offer her----"
"What!" interrupted Captain Lane, his eyes flashing fire. "Lieutenant Matson, do you wish to insult me?"
"No, Captain Lane, I merely wish to secure the safety of Morgianna."
"Morgianna! Morgianna!" called the old man, starting to his feet and pacing the floor anxiously.
"Here, father!" and, clothed in spotless white, looking like some celestial being just reached this earth, Morgianna entered the room. "What do you want, father?" she asked, paying no heed to the lieutenant, who had risen to his feet with a most gracious smile and bow.
"Morgianna, Lieutenant Matson announces that the English frigate Xenophon is coming to destroy our town and kill our people. He offers you a place on board that vessel where he says you will be safe. Do you accept it?"
[Illustration: "MY FATHER WILL PROTECT ME; I WANT NO OTHER PROTECTION.">[