There was no difference of opinion between the two, and it was understood that they should be silent on the subject.

“Master Spikeman,” said the Knight, addressing the Assistant who now met them, “it is a pity we had not the benefit of thy prudent counsels in a matter that hath just happened; yet do I trust that our conduct will be approved by thy better judgment.”

“Sir Christopher Gardiner stands in no need of the sanction of my poor opinion for anything it may please him to do,” answered Spikeman.  “But resolve me your riddle.”

“Know you not that the ambassadors have left in anger?”

“I know it, and the knowledge fills me with foreboding sorrow.”

“Whether we should have detained or allowed them to depart in their present frame of mind, is the question which I would submit to thy decision?”

“I presume not to arraign any conclusion, whereunto either the worshipful deputy or Sir Christopher Gardiner may arrive.  Doubtless, they acted after grave consideration.”

“Yet, being asked, tell me, with thy usual candor, Master Spikeman, what you yourself would have done in like circumstances?”

The Assistant saw the snare, and determined that the Knight should derive no advantage from the question.  He perceived that the object was to estop, by his admissions, any objections to the course pursued in permitting the Taranteens to leave, which he might afterwards be disposed to make.  He, therefore, replied: 

“Never be it said that I officiously obtruded an opinion; but, Sir Christopher, thus urged, I confess that it had better pleased me had the savages been detained.  Opportunity might then have been afforded to disabuse their ignorance and convince them of our innocence.”

“I will not say thou art in the wrong, but if the excellent Dudley erred, it is a strange departure from his ordinary admirable judgment.”

“I pray thee to understand that I impugn not the action of the judicious Deputy Governor; but wherefore gave you not—­you who are so well acquainted with the nature of these heathens—­advice to stop them for the present?”

“And how know you I gave it not?  But truly, Master Spikeman, I did not.  I trust I am not forward to speak before princes.  For what saith Holy Scripture:  ’Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.’  Yet had I seen any imminent danger from allowing the departure of the savages, believe me I had spoken, even at the risk of incurring the dishonor to see my counsel rejected.”

“It is evident, Sir Christopher, that you have grave doubts on the subject.  Now, methinks, it had been well to remember (casting aside, as an inconvenient garment, these scruples) what the wise king of Israel also said, in another place:  ’Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.’”