ed, he was very glad, at the conclusion
of the dialogue with that worthy, to find that there was even so much of
a prospect of concert, though falling far short of his original
anticipations, from that quarter. He was too well aware, also, of the
difficulty in the way of any proceeding without something savoring of
authority in the matter; for, from a previous and rather correct
estimate of Colleton's character, he well foresaw that, knowing his
enemy, he would fight to the last against an arrest; which, under the
forms of law and with the sanction of a known officer, he would
otherwise readily recognise and submit to. Seizing, therefore, upon the
speech of the sheriff, Rivers eagerly availed himself of its opening to
obtain those advantages in the affair, of which, from the canting spirit
and newly-awakened morality of his late coadjutor, he had utterly begun
to despair. He proceeded to reply to the suggestion as follows:--

"I suppose, I must content myself, Maxson, with doing in this thing as
you say, though really I see not why you should now be so particular,
for there are not ten men in the county who are able to determine upon
any of your powers, or who would venture to measure their extent. Let us
hear your plan, and I suppose it will be effectual in our object, and
this is all I want. All I desire is, that our people, you know, should
not be murdered by strangers without rhyme or reason."

The sheriff knew well the hypocrisy of the sentiment with which Rivers
concluded, but made no remark. A single smile testified his knowledge of
the nature of his colleague, and indicated his suspicion of a deeper and
different motive for this new activity. Approaching the outlaw closely,
he asked, in a half whisper:--

"Who was the witness of the murder--who could swear for the magistrate?
You must get somebody to do that."

This was another point which Rivers, in his impatience, had not thought
to consider. But fruitful in expedient, his fertile mind suggested that
ground of suspicion was all that the law required for apprehension at
least, and having already arranged that the body of the murdered man
should be found under certain circumstances, he contented himself with
procuring commissions, as deputies, for his two officers, and posted
away to the village.

Here, as he anticipated, the intelligence had already been received--the
body of Forrester had been found, and sufficient ground for suspicion to
authorize a warr