a most expert pickpocket.

Jack unfortunately adopted the suggestion, and struck me with all his
force. I of course returned the blow, with very tolerable effect.--Had
the row commenced and terminated in mere _fisticuffs_ all would have
been well, and I should not now be called upon to write down the details
of a bloody tragedy.

Drawing a dirk-knife from his breast, Jack attacked me with the utmost
fury. I then did what any other person, situated as I was, would have
done--I acted in my own defence. "Self-defence" is universally
acknowledged to be the "first law of nature." There was I, a stranger,
savagely attacked by a young man armed with a dangerous weapon, and
surrounded by his friends and associates--a desperate set, who seemed
disposed to assist in the task of demolishing me.

I quickly drew from my pocket a pistol, without which, at that time, I
never travelled. Before, however, I could cock and level it, my
infuriated enemy dashed his dirk-knife into my face, and the point
entered my right eye. It was fortunate that the weapon did not penetrate
the brain, and cause my instant death.

Maddened by the horrible pain which I suffered, and believing myself to
be mortally wounded, I raised the pistol and discharged it. Jack Slack
fell to the floor, a corpse, his head being shattered to pieces. _I
never regretted the act._

A cry of horror and dismay burst from the lips of all present, on
witnessing this dreadful but justifiable deed of retribution.

"Gentlemen," said I, as the blood was trickling down my face--"I call
upon you all to witness that I slew this young man in self-defence. He
drove me to commit the deed, and I could not avoid it. I am willing and
anxious to abide the decision of a jury of my countrymen; therefore,
send for an officer, and I will voluntarily surrender myself into his
custody."

Scarcely had I uttered these words, when the excruciating torment which
I suffered caused me to faint away. When I recovered, I found myself in
a prison-cell, with a bandage over my damaged optic, and a physician
feeling my pulse.

"Ah!" said I, looking around, "I am in _limbo_, I see. Well, I do not
fear the result. But, doctor, am I seriously injured--am I likely to
kick the bucket?"

"Not at all," was the doctor's encouraging reply--"but you have lost the
sight of your eye."

"Oh, is _that_ all?" said I with a laugh--"well, I believe that it is
said in the Bible somewhere, that it is better to ente