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.
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