“I have travelled far in uncivilized countries, amidst savage people,” he continued, “but ne’er have I known such a terrible journey as I endured last night. The memory of it will last me throughout this world, and who knows and the Lord forgive not my sins, but that I shall remember it in the next. I was carried up stream and down stream, terrible insects arose with a buzzing sound and fastened themselves on my flesh, the howling of wild beasts smote my ears. Yet am I thankful to have made that journey, for by it I have saved the life of a brave lass who hath done a doughtier deed in her King’s service than any of you who have prosecuted her. It was her nimble wit, working in prison, that obtained the stolen parchment and sent it to me. Through her messenger I learned of my enemy’s intent to strike at my very vitals, my high position and favour with the King. He was having the recipe compounded, to return with it to England and obtain the honour of its discovery himself. But thanks be to God, the evil of his ways was his undoing. This little maid whom you would have hanged hath saved England from the plague, and I am made her debtor for life.” A shout broke from the stern, repressed Puritans. “Let us behold the little maid who hath saved England. Let the child stand forth.” Governor Phipps put Deliverance upon her feet, and holding her hand walked to the edge of the platform. When the people saw her in her sad-coloured gown, her hair a golden glory around her face, they were silent from awe and self-reproach. Only when the kitten leapt upon her petticoat and climbed to her shoulder, there seating itself with rightful pride, the sober Puritans broke into wild shoutings and laughter. Laughter mingled with tears, that in all the town of Salem, so brave a maid had found in her extremity but two loyal friends, Mistress Abigail Brewster and a little kitten. Deliverance, frightened by the cries and unwonted animation of the upturned faces, began to weep and put out her arms pitifully to Lord Christopher. “Oh, might it pleasure ye to take me home, good sir?” Before he could reply, a young man bounded up the ladder and caught the little maid in his arms. “I could keep from you no longer, sweetheart,” he cried. Deliverance’s arms tightened around his neck. “I be o’er glad to see ye, dear Ronald,” she said, laying her head on his shoulder, “and, oh, let it pleasure ye not to dilly-dally, but to take me to father, for I be fair weary to see him?” So the Fellow of Harvard, with a word to his Excellency for permission, slowly descended the ladder with his precious burden in his arms. Thus Deliverance returned to her father. Chapter XX The Great Physician When the excitement had subsided somewhat, Lord Christopher was seen to lean forward with renewed earnestness, raising his hand impressively.