ad in the matter, it is but
simple justice to say you were quite as much aback."

"Perhaps so, Guy; but the fact is, I was right and you wrong, and the
thing's beyond dispute. This lesson, though a rough one, will do you
service; and a few more such will perhaps cure you of that vile trick
you have of spoiling not only your own, but the sport of others, by
running your head into unnecessary danger; and since this youth, who got
out of the scrape so handsomely, has beat you at your own game, it may
cure you of that cursed itch for tongue-trifling, upon which you so much
pride yourself. 'Twould have done, and it did very well at the county
sessions, in getting men out of the wood; but as you have commenced a
new business entirely, it's but well to leave off the old, particularly
as it's now your policy to get them into it."

"I shall talk as I please, Munro, and see not why, and care not whether,
my talk offends you or not. I parleyed with the youth only to keep him
in play until your plans could be put in operation."

"Very good--that was all very well, Guy--and had you kept to your
intention, the thing would have done. But he replied smartly to your
speeches, and your pride and vanity got to work. You must answer smartly
and sarcastically in turn, and you see what's come of it. You forgot the
knave in the wit; and the mistake was incurable. Why tell him that you
wanted to pick his pocket, and perhaps cut his throat?"

"That was a blunder, I grant; but the fact is, I entirely mistook the
man. Besides, I had a reason for so doing, which it is not necessary to
speak about now."

"Oh, ay--it wouldn't be lawyer-like, if you hadn't a reason for
everything, however unreasonable," was the retort.

"Perhaps not, Munro; but this is not the matter now. Our present object
must be to put this youth out of the way. We must silence suspicion,
for, though we are pretty much beyond the operation of law in this
region, yet now and then a sheriff's officer takes off some of the club;
and, as I think it is always more pleasant to be out of the halter than
in it, I am clear for making the thing certain in the only practicable
way."

"But, are you sure that he is the man? I should know his horse, and
shall look to him, for he's a fine creature, and I should like to secure
him; which I think will be the case, if you are not dreaming as usual."

"I am sure--I do not mistake."

"Well, I'm not; and I should like to hear what it is you