he law. With such knowledge and reflections
for companions, well might the guilty wretch quake with fear. If
"conscience makes cowards of us all," how much more so _him_, reeking as he
was with blood and crime!

Notwithstanding all his fears, he reached home in safety, made a few hasty
preparations for his journey, placed his effects left behind in as good
order as the shortness of the time would allow, gave them in charge to his
servant, with such orders for their disposal as pleased him, and then
started for the swamp, which he reached about daylight, and into which he
plunged with as much pleasure as ever a hunted fox entered its secure
burrow. Though still very uneasy, he breathed more freely than before since
receiving the unwelcome tidings from Bill.

* * * * *

'Squire Williams was seated in his easy chair after the labors of the day,
quietly enjoying himself in a train of dreamy reflections, when he was
aroused from his state of languor and but half wakefulness by a knock at
the door. Feeling tired, he did not get up to open for the visitor, but in
the old fashioned style, requested the knocker to "come in."

A neighboring boy entered, and handed him a letter, saying:

"The man who gave me the letter for you told me to tell you, you had better
read it immediately."

"Indeed! Then it must be of some importance," said the 'Squire as he opened
the document. It read as follows:

"'SQUIRE WILLIAMS:--Having learned that you take a deep interest
in the movements of young Mr. Duffel, who is supposed to be connected with
a body of outlaws and thieves by yourself and others, I take the liberty,
though a stranger, to address a line relative to the individual named,
which may be of some service to you in detecting him, and to community, by
preventing his further operations.

"If you will go to the swamp, nine miles from C----, early to-morrow
morning, and watch closely all day and all the next night, should he not
make his appearance sooner, you will detect him in the act of leaving the
place on a horse which he has forgotten to pay for. I would advise that you
take a few confidential friends with you, and, if possible, induce Mr.
Mandeville to be one of them; you will understand my reasons for making
this request in the end. Make all your arrangements with great caution and
secrecy, _and be sure to trust no one in whom you have not the most
implicit confidence, or you may be betrayed_