r
felt how despicable they were as his subjects. This taught me, too, the
value of money--its wonderful magic and mystery. In the mood occasioned
by all these things, you found me, for the first time, and in a ready
temper for any villany. You attempted to console me for my defeats, but
I heard you not until you spoke of revenge. I was not then to learn how
to be vindictive: I had always been so. I knew, by instinct, how to lap
blood; you only taught me how to scent it! My first great crime proved
my nature. Performed under your direction, though without your aid, it
was wantonly cruel in its execution, since the prize desired might
readily have been obtained without the life of its possessor. You, more
merciful than myself, would have held me back, and arrested my stroke;
but that would have been taking from the repast its finish: the
pleasure, for it was such to me in my condition of mind, would have been
lost entirely. It may sound strangely even in your ears when I say so,
but I could no more have kept my knife from that man's throat than I
could have taken wing for the heavens. He was a poor coward; made no
struggle, and begged most piteously for his life; had the audacity to
talk of his great possessions, his rank in society, his wife and
children. These were enjoyments all withheld from me; these were the
very things the want of which had made me what I was--what I am--and
furiously I struck my weapon into his mouth, silencing his insulting
speech. Should such a mean spirit as his have joys which were denied to
me? I spurned his quivering carcass with my foot. At that moment I felt
myself; I had something to live for. I knew my appetite, and felt that
it was native. I had acquired a knowledge of a new luxury, and ceased to
wonder at the crimes of a Nero and a Caligula. Think you, Munro, that
the thousands who assemble at the execution of a criminal trouble
themselves to inquire into the merits of his case--into the justice of
his death and punishment? Ask they whether he is the victim of justice
or of tyranny? No! they go to see a show--they love blood, and in this
way have the enjoyment furnished to their hands, without the risk which
must follow the shedding of it for themselves."

"There is one thing, Guy, upon which I never thought to ask you. What
became of that beautiful young girl from Carolina, on a visit to the
village, when you lost your election? You were then cavorting about her
in great style, and I