ed half outlaw that he was--had there not been a suspicion in
the minds of many present that it was _not_ a case of ordinary
_nigger-stealing_, then indeed might it have gone ill with me, in spite
of the sheriff and his party.

Even as it was, a long and angry altercation ensued--loud words, oaths,
and gestures of menace, were freely exchanged--and both rifles and
pistols were cocked and firmly grasped before the discussion ended.

But the brave sheriff remained resolute; Reigart acted a most courageous
part; my _ci-devant_ host, and proportion of stripes on the complaint of
a conscientious master--for, after all, such theoretical protection does
the poor slave enjoy.

Into this room, then, was I hurried by the sheriff and his assistants--
the mob rushing in after, until every available space was occupied.

CHAPTER SEVENTY NINE.

THE CRISIS.

No doubt a messenger had preceded us, for we found Squire Claiborne in
his chair of office, ready to hear the case. In the tall, thin old man,
with white hair and dignified aspect, I recognised a fit representative
of justice--one of those venerable magistrates, who command respect not
only by virtue of age and office, but from the dignity of their personal
character. In spite of the noisy rabble that surrounded me, I read in
the serene, firm look of the magistrate the determination to show fair
play.

I was no longer uneasy. On the way, Reigart had told me to be of good
cheer. He had whispered something about "strange developments to be
made;" but I had not fully heard him, and was at a loss to comprehend
what he meant. In the hurry and crush I had found no opportunity for an
explanation.

"Keep up your spirits!" said he, as he pushed his horse alongside me.
"Don't have any fear about the result. It's rather an odd affair, and
will have an odd ending--rather unexpected for somebody, I should say--
ha! ha! ha!"

Reigart actually laughed aloud, and appeared to be in high glee! What
could such conduct mean?

I was not permitted to know, for at that moment the sheriff, in a high
tone of authority, commanded that no one should "hold communication with
the prisoner;" and my friend and I were abruptly separated. Strange, I
did not dislike the sheriff for this! I had a secret belief that his
manner--apparently somewhat hostile to me--was assumed for a purpose.
The mob required conciliation; and all this _brusquerie_ was a bit of
management on the part of Sheriff