o
revenge. So excited were his feelings, that it was some time before he
fell asleep that night, long after notes other than those of music had
announced the passage of Mrs. Davenport to a land of forgetfulness,
though not before her husband had matured a plan for the morrow.

Accordingly, after breakfast, Davenport walked round to the office of
Mr. Ketchum. Ketchum was a young man, who, but a short time before,
had, in the fortunate town of Hillsdale, hung out his professional
sign, or shingle, as people generally called it, whereon, in gilt
letters, were emblazoned his name and the titles of "Attorney and
Counsellor at Law," whereby the public were given to understand that
the owner of the aforesaid name and titles was prepared with pen or
tongue, or both, to vindicate, _a entrance_, the rights of all who
were able and willing to pay three dollars for an argument before a
Justice Court, and in proportion before the higher tribunals. He was
a stirring, pushing fellow, whose business, however, was as yet quite
limited, and to whom, for that reason, a new case was a _bonne bouche_
on which he sprung with the avidity of a trout.

This gentleman Davenport found apparently lost in the study of a
russet sheep-skin covered book. A few other books, bound in like
manner, were lying on the table, with pens and loose paper and an
ink-stand, among which were mingled files of papers purporting to
be writs and deeds. Against the walls were two or three shelves
containing some dingy-looking books having a family likeness to the
former.

After the usual compliments, Davenport made known his business. "A
scandal," he said, "had been occasioned by the conduct of Holden, and
a great injury inflicted on the cause of religion. It was for that
reason," he intimated, "and not from any private feeling he wanted him
brought to justice. Some people think him a little touched," he said,
"though I don't believe it, and if it was only my own case I should
overlook his insults, for it is the part of a Christian to suffer
wrong without complaining, but there's others to be thought of, and
I'd sooner cut off my right hand than not do my duty. So, squire,"
he concluded, "we must see if we can't learn him reason, and stop his
disturbing the worship of God."

"There is no difficulty about that, Squire Davenport," said Ketchum,
who was acquainted with the particulars of the occurrence of the
night previous, before the arrival of his client, having h