und. The laugh which
succeeded was one of effectual discomfiture, and the helpless barrister
made good his retreat from a field so unpromising by a pursuit of the
swift-footed negro, taking care not to return from the chase.

Colleton, who had regarded this interlude with stern brow and wrathful
spirit, now spoke, addressing Munro:--

"You affirm most strongly for this villain, but your speech is vain if
its object be to satisfy my doubts. What effect it may have upon our
hearers is quite another matter. You can not swear me out of my
conviction and the integrity of my senses. I am resolute in the one
belief, and do not hesitate here, and in the presence of himself and all
of you, to pronounce him again all the scoundrel I declared him to be at
first--in the teeth of all your denials not less than of his! But,
perhaps--as you answer for him so readily and so well--let us know, for
doubtless you can, by what chance he came by that brand, that fine
impress which he wears so happily upon his cheek. Can you not inform him
where he got it--on what road he met with it, and whether the devil's or
my horse's heel gave it him!"

"If your object be merely to insult me, young man, I forgive it. You are
quite too young for me to punish, and I have only pity for the
indiscretion that moves you to unprofitable violence at this time and in
this place, where you see but little respect is shown to those who
invade us with harsh words or actions. As for your charge against
Rivers, I happen to know that it is unfounded, and my evidence alone
would be sufficient for the purpose of his defence. If, however, he were
guilty of the attempt, as you allege, of what avail is it for you to
make it? Look around you, young man!"--taking the youth aside as he
spoke in moderated terms--"you have eyes and understanding, and can
answer the question for yourself. Who is here to arrest him? Who would
desire, who would dare to make the endeavor? We are all here equally
interested in his escape, were he a criminal in this respect, because we
are all here"--and his voice fell in such a manner as to be accommodated
to the senses of the youth alone--"equally guilty of violating the same
laws, and by an offence in comparison with which that against you would
be entirely lost sight of. There is the courthouse, it is true--and
there the jail; but we seldom see sheriff, judge, or jailer. When they
do make their appearance, which is not often, they are glad enoug