of conduct, he girded the sword on his loins, and prepared himself
for war. The wretch who had thus treated the woman whom he loved
should be hunted down like a wild beast, as long as he had arms and
legs with which to carry on the hunt. He would pursue the miscreant
with any weapons that might come to his hands; and might Heaven help
him at his need as he dealt forth punishment to that man, if he
caught him within his grasp. Those who had hitherto known Morton in
the island, could not recognise the man as he came forth on that
day, thirsty after blood, and desirous to thrust himself into
personal conflict with the wild ruffian who had injured him. The
meek Presbyterian minister had been a preacher, preaching ways of
peace, and living in accordance with his own doctrines. The world
had been very quiet for him, and he had walked quietly in his
appointed path. But now the world was quiet no longer, nor was
there any preaching of peace. His cry was for blood; for the blood
of the untamed savage brute who had come upon his young doe in her
solitude, and striven with such brutal violence to tear her heart
from her bosom.

He got to his assistance early in the morning some of the constables
from St. George, and before the day was over, he was joined by two
or three of the warders from the convict establishment. There was
with him also a friend or two, and thus a party was formed,
numbering together ten or twelve persons. They were of course all
armed, and therefore it might be thought that there would be but
small chance for the wretched man if they should come upon his
track. At first they all searched together, thinking from the
tidings which had reached them that he must be near to them; but
gradually they spread themselves along the rocks between St. George
and the ferry, keeping watchman on the road, so that he should not