account of hardship or privation; while the rest, as
already intimated, felt a sort of awe in his presence from the mystery
that surrounded him. Among the spectators was our old friend, Tom
Gladding, leisurely engaged in whittling out a chain from a pine
block, some twelve inches in length, from which he had succeeded in
obtaining three or four links that dangled at its end, and listening
with a comical expression, as if he were anticipating some fun.

The Enthusiast had hardly concluded his exhortation before Basset, who
stood on the outside of the ring during its delivery, stepped forward,
and placing his hand on Holden's shoulder, informed him he was his
prisoner. Holden made no resistance, but drawing himself up to his
full height, and fastening his eyes sternly on the constable, he
demanded:

"What art thou?"

"My name is Barnabas Basset," answered the constable, a little
embarrassed.

"I care not for thy name," said Holden, "but by what authority darest
thou to lay thy hand on a free man?"

"By authority of the State of Connecticut," replied the constable,
recovering from his momentary confusion, and feeling quite safe in
the crowd. "It's true, I hain't got my staff, but everybody's bound,
according to law, to know the constable."

"And, therefore, is an innocent man to be treated as a malefactor?"

"I don't know about the innocence," said Basset, "and it's none of my
business. You must talk to the justice about that. All I've got to do
is to execute my warrant according to law."

"It is written, resist not evil," said Holden, musingly. "Behold, I am
in thy hands; do with me what thou willest."

But some of the spectators appeared indisposed to be so passive.
Pownal and Bernard walked up to the constable, and demanded to know
the meaning of the outrage.

"You may just call it what you please, Mr. Pownal," answered Basset,
indignant at being interfered with, as he called it, in the discharge
of his duty, "and I advise you not to git your fingers catched in the
law; but if you must know, the justice, I guess, will tell you."

"Keep your advice until it is asked for," said Pownal; "but before
what justice are you taking him?"

"If you come with us, you'll find out," answered Basset, whose ill
nature seemed to increase.

"That I certainly will. I must leave you," said Pownal, turning to the
ladies, "to see that this brutal fellow behaves himself."

"Do," cried Faith; "do not let them insult him."