"'Cause," said Primus, taking the money with eyes brightening at the
sight, "'tween gen'lemen, de trifle was too small."

"Well, you're a curious chap. Now most folks would have dunned me
right off for the damage. There's Tom Gladding', if he had a wooden
leg, and I broke it, don't you suppose he'd make me settle before
sunset next day? Besides the law was all on your side."

"I guess, Massa Gladding 'tend to business in his own way," said the
now good-humored General, "but you, Squire, is an old 'quaintance, and
you disappointment so great, I didn't like to mention de leg."

As soon as Primus uttered the word "Squire," Basset knew that the
reconciliation between them was complete. The General never used the
word in reference to his companion, except when pleased and desirous
to pay a compliment, and was fully aware of the effect it produced.
The constable, born and bred among a people fond of titles, and fond
of giving them, was not exempt from the common weakness. He, however,
thought it incumbent on him to disclaim the dignity, to which Primus
answered, that if he were not a Squire he ought to be, and would be
next year.

A tall figure, which, from the gait and dress, appeared to be that of
Holden, was now seen approaching deliberately in the moonlight, and
the constable addressed himself to the performance of his duty. It was
thought best to allow the fugitive to pass the cabin, so that in the
event of an attempt at evasion, which was not anticipated indeed, but
which the prudent General thought ought to be guarded against, the
difficulty of escape might be greater. As the man advanced, the