As a sound Democrat it will at least have
your sympathy."
"Certainly, I am all attention."
"About the tenth of June over four years ago I rode with my friend
Woodburn into our county-town. At the bank we left our horses with his
groom Caesar, an excellent servant, much trusted; used to ride quarter
races for my father when a boy. When we came out, Woodburn's horse was
hitched to a post and mine was gone, and that infernal nigger on him. He
was traced to the border, but my mare had no match in the county."
"So he stole the horse; that makes it an easy case."
"No, sir. To be precise, he left the horse at a tavern in this State,
with my name and address. Some Quakers helped him on his way."
"And he is in this county?" asked Swallow.
"Yes, sir. His name here is Josiah--seems to be known by that name
alone."
"Josiah!" gasped Swallow. "A special favourite of Penhallow. A case to be
gravely considered--most gravely. The Squire--"
"But surely he will obey the law."
"Yes--probably--but who can say? He was at one time a Democrat, but now
is, I hear, likely to vote for Fremont."
"That seems incredible."
"And yet true. I should like, sir, to think the matter over for a day or
two. Did the man see you--I mean, recognize you?"
"No, but as I went by his shop, I at once recognized him; and he has lost
two fingers.
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