was
pretty certain that there was some mischief afoot, and a few words of
the conversation, which we overhear, as they walk down the street in
company, leave no doubt on the subject.

"You see, Prime," said Gladding, "the foolish fellow ain't cured yet."

"Let us insult ober his case," said Primus.

"I thought he'd got enough; but, he's as parvarse as the nine lives of
a cat. Why, there was the whack at the island, and, then, the jam
on the ice, and, last, the scare in the snowstorm; a fellow's
unreasonable to want more, and, yet, the darn'd crittur's holding out
his platter."

"What you want to put in, Missa Gladding?"

"Some of the same mess. I don't care about hurting him; but, I should
like to cure him of his parsecuting ways."

"Well, you is a good cook. What you up to dis time?" said the General,
grinning at the idea of more tricks.

"Colored people is celebrated for their contrivances; so, scratch your
wool, and give us the benefit of your genius."

"De sheep hab no gumption," said Primus, looking grave at this
allusion to his hair.

"I tell you what I want you to do," said Tom, taking no notice of
Primus' gravity, and certain that the old fellow was unable to resist
the temptation to a frolic; "but, don't let's stand here all day
talking. Folks may suspicion something; so, push along, and I'll give
you my idees."

They must have pleased the General, for, soon, his face began to
brighten, and his eyes to glisten; and he parted from his companion,
apparently, with the best understanding, and in the highest good humor
possible.

In accordance with the arrangement between them, the negro hunted up
Basset, and soon learned from him, that he had a mittimus to commit
Holden. The cunning fellow, at first, pretended to dissuade him from
making use of it, taking care, at the same time, to drop a few
words, from which, it might be inferred, there was no difficulty
in apprehending the fugitive. He, at last, let out the fact, rather
unwillingly, as it seemed, that the Recluse was in the habit
of passing his hut, in the evening, on visits--as the General
supposed--to his friends in the village. The constable caught at the
bait, and, having lost all fear of any resistance, on the part of
the Solitary, persuaded Primus, with some difficulty, to allow him to
watch at his cabin, for his prey; engaging his assistance, at the same
time, should it become necessary. It was, accordingly, agreed, that
the same night sh