"And, therefore, is an innocent man to be treated as a malefactor?"

"I don't know about the innocence," said Basset, "and it's none of my
business. You must talk to the justice about that. All I've got to do
is to execute my warrant according to law."

"It is written, resist not evil," said Holden, musingly. "Behold, I am
in thy hands; do with me what thou willest."

But some of the spectators appeared indisposed to be so passive.
Pownal and Bernard walked up to the constable, and demanded to know
the meaning of the outrage.

"You may just call it what you please, Mr. Pownal," answered Basset,
indignant at being interfered with, as he called it, in the discharge
of his duty, "and I advise you not to git your fingers catched in the
law; but if you must know, the justice, I guess, will tell you."

"Keep your advice until it is asked for," said Pownal; "but before
what justice are you taking him?"

"If you come with us, you'll find out," answered Basset, whose ill
nature seemed to increase.

"That I certainly will. I must leave you," said Pownal, turning to the
ladies, "to see that this brutal fellow behaves himself."

"Do," cried Faith; "do not let them insult him."

"Let us go with him," said the impulsive Anne.