hile, Basset, like a
spider in the centre of his web, watched for his victim, ready to
pounce upon him, as soon as the propitious moment should arrive. It
is curious how the desire to capture Holden increased with delay. At
first, and in the prospect of immediate danger, the business was far
from being relished, but as time slipped along, and his mind became
familiarized to its contemplation, it began to assume something of
even a tempting character. He began to fancy that if he could secure
the Recluse, he should achieve for himself a reputation for courage,
which he was far, at present, from possessing. Yet, still he desired
to discharge his commission in the most prudent manner.

But Holden did not appear. Was it possible he could have obtained
information of the threatened danger, and was keeping himself
concealed? At the thought, Basset stood two inches higher; his courage
mounted rapidly, and the terrible pirate dwindled into a submissive
culprit.

Ketchum, meanwhile, began to be importunate. He had become impatient
at waiting, and demanded of the constable the reason of the delay.
The latter, unwilling to confess the true cause, put him off with such
excuses as his ingenuity suggested, until he had exhausted his stock,
and was obliged to apply himself to the discharge of his duty. He,
therefore, made up his mind to face the danger, but not to monopolize
the glory of the achievement. He dared not go alone, and accordingly
looked round for somebody to assist him in the perilous enterprise.
Now, the veteran Primus, by virtue of his exploits in the
Revolutionary War, and the loss of one of his legs on the field of
battle, enjoyed a high reputation for bravery. Backed by the old
warrior, or rather led by him, for Basset meant to yield him the post
of honor, the constable thought he should stand a much greater chance
of success. He determined, therefore, to apply to Primus, secure his
services, and take counsel with him on the best mode to apprehend
Holden. With this view, he betook himself to the bachelor quarters of
the black--a hovel on the outskirts of the village, where we find him
at this present moment.

"I hab some interjection, Missa Basset," said Primus, evidently in
reply to a proposition of the constable. "Suppose you come to ketch
me, how I like to hab somebody help you?"

"No danger of that, Prime," said Basset; "you are too clever a fellow
for me to go with a warrant after; and if it was your case,