uth, he waited for
the intruder upon his pastime; but no one came, and he proceeded to
search the pockets of the lawyer. To his great disappointment, the key
could not be found.

Hatchie was persuaded that this carpet-bag must contain some evidence
which would be of service to his mistress, in case Uncle Nathan and the
will should not come to light. There were two acts to the drama he
intended to perform on the present occasion; the first, alone with the
attorney,--and the last, in the presence of witnesses. Deferring,
therefore, the opening of the bag to the second act, he proceeded with
the first.

"Now, Mr. Maxwell," said he, "as you have given me encouragement that
you _can_ tell the truth, I have a few questions to put to you."

"I will answer no questions," replied Maxwell, sullenly.

He saw that the mulatto would have it all his own way; and he felt a
desire to conciliate him, but his pride forbade. He felt very much as a
lion would feel in the power of a mouse, if such a thing could be.

"Please to consider, sir. You are entirely in my power."

"No matter; do with me as you please,--I will answer no questions."

"Think of it; and be assured I will do my best to _compel_ an answer. If
I do not succeed, you will be food for the buzzards before yonder sun
sets."

"What, fellow! would you murder me?" exclaimed Maxwell, in alarm.

"I would not; if you compel me to use violence, the consequences be upon
your own head. Will you answer me?"

Maxwell hesitated. The dreadful thought of being murdered in cold blood
presented itself on the one hand, and the scarcely less disagreeable
thought of exposing his crimes, on the other. The loss of reputation,
his prospective fall in society, were not less terrible than death
itself. Resolving to trust in his good fortune for the result, he firmly
refused to answer.

Hatchie now took the rope, and having cut off a portion from one end,
with which he fastened together the legs of his prisoner, he ascended
the tree with an end in his hand. Passing the rope over a smooth branch
about fifteen feet from the ground, he descended and made a slip-noose
in one end. Heedless of the remonstrances of the victim, he fastened it
securely to his neck.

Seating himself again on the log, with the other end of the rope in his
hand, he looked sternly upon the attorney, and said,

"Now, sir, I put the question again. Will you answer me?"

"Never!" said Maxwell, in desperation.

"Ver