Brandon bowed. "Then shoot him, sergeant!" was the order. But before a trigger could be pulled, or a flintlock fall, Brandon was upon them. His sword flashed in and out, there was a swaying back and forth, shouts and cries, the clubbing of muskets, the groans of the wounded, a mêlée, in which all were mingled in a blur of strife and struggle.... Then, the line parted; and through the opening, his sword at the lunge, staggered Brandon. Blood gushed from his face and head, from his breast, from his legs. He was almost sped. He came a little way--faltered--stopped. A soldier stepped out behind him and passed his hanger through his throat. He fell without a word. So, Long-Sword died. The Governor, his wrath passed, looked down at the dead, and shook his head, sadly. "He was a brave man!" he said. "May I meet death as fearlessly, when my time comes.... Gentlemen, this deplorable scene is over--let me suggest that you hasten to the ladies, and keep them on the other side of the house, until all traces of the conflict have been removed." He hooked his arm within Maynadier's, and went slowly in. "I have had enough of crime and punishment," he said, as they passed the doorway. "What think you, shall we excuse Parkington--let him depart in peace, for England?" "Yes!" replied Maynadier. "How say you, Marbury?" the Governor asked. "As I have said all along: let it rest! let him go!" "There are some things that are not explained, but they can bide--yes, I think that he may go.--Parkington!" he called. Parkington, who was kneeling by the body of his dead friend, arose and came forward. "Sir Edward!" said the Governor. "We have decided to pursue your matter no further, upon the condition, however, that you will continue to bear the name of Parkington, and reside in this house, as a guest, until the first ship sails for England. Are you content?" Parkington bowed low. "More than content, your Excellency. I am deeply grateful. Moreover, there are pressing reasons, now, for my instant return to England." He drew the Annapolis paper from his pocket, and, pointing to the item in larger type at the foot of the last column, passed it across. Colonel Sharpe read: "_FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS REWARD!_ "_For information sent to the undersigned, that will lead to the location of the present whereabouts of the Honourable Roger James Howard de Lysle, who, it is thought, sailed for America, incognito, about the first of April, last past. He is of average size, with black hair and eyes, fair complexion, clear cut features, and fine bearing. By the sudden demise of the persons intervening, he has succeeded to the title and estates of the Earl of Doncaster._" The Governor ceased. "My lord," he said, extending his hand, "you have my congratulations! But I think, for reasons which you will understand," he added, "you best cling to the old name, so long as you are in America."