disposition, lavish of his small means towards those whom he
considered poorer than himself, and never faltering in any act of
kindness on account of hardship or privation; while the rest, as
already intimated, felt a sort of awe in his presence from the mystery
that surrounded him. Among the spectators was our old friend, Tom
Gladding, leisurely engaged in whittling out a chain from a pine
block, some twelve inches in length, from which he had succeeded in
obtaining three or four links that dangled at its end, and listening
with a comical expression, as if he were anticipating some fun.

The Enthusiast had hardly concluded his exhortation before Basset, who
stood on the outside of the ring during its delivery, stepped forward,
and placing his hand on Holden's shoulder, informed him he was his
prisoner. Holden made no resistance, but drawing himself up to his
full height, and fastening his eyes sternly on the constable, he
demanded:

"What art thou?"

"My name is Barnabas Basset," answered the constable, a little
embarrassed.

"I care not for thy name," said Holden, "but by what authority darest
thou to lay thy hand on a free man?"

"By authority of the State of Connecticut," replied the constable,
recovering from his momentary confusion, and feeling quite safe in
the crowd. "It's true, I hain't got my staff, but everybody's bound,
according to law, to know the constable."