to his person,
and a sum for which we might almost doubt whether he would not have
consented (so long had he been mistaking means for an end) to be hanged
himself. Brandon listened to the details of these confederates; and when
they had finished, he addressed them thus: "I have heard you, and am
convinced you are liars and impostors. There is the money I promised
you" (throwing down a pocket-book),--"take it; and, hark you, if ever
you dare whisper, ay, but a breath of the atrocious lie you have now
forged, be sure I will have you dragged from the recess or nook of
infamy in which you may hide your heads, and hanged for the crimes you
have already committed. I am not the man to break my word. Begone! quit
this town instantly! If in two hours hence you are found here, your
blood be on your own heads! Begone, I say!"

These words, aided by a countenance well adapted at all times to
expressions of a menacing and ruthless character, at once astounded and
appalled the accomplices. They left the room in hasty confusion; and
Brandon, now alone, walked with uneven steps (the alarming weakness and
vacillation of which he did not himself feel) to and fro the apartment.
The hell of his breast was stamped upon his features, but he uttered
only one thought aloud,--

"I may,--yes, yes,--I may yet conceal this disgrace to my name!"

His servant tapped at the door to say that the carriage was ready,
and that Lord Mauleverer had bid him remind his master that they dined
punctually at the hour appointed.

"I am coming!" said Brandon, with a slow and startling emphasis on each
word. But he first sat down and wrote a letter to the official quarter,
strongly aiding the recommendation of the Jury; and we may conceive how
pride clung to him to the last, when he urged the substitution for death
of transportation for life! As soon as he had sealed this letter,
he summoned an express, gave his orders coolly and distinctly, and
attempted with his usual stateliness of step to walk through a long
passage which led to the outer door. He found himself fail. "Come
hither," he said to his servant, "give me your arm!"

All Brandon's domestics, save the one left with Lucy, stood in awe
of him; and it was with some hesitation that his servant ventured to
inquire if his master felt well.

Brandon looked at him, but made no reply. He entered his carriage
with slight difficulty, and telling the coachman to drive as fast as
possible, pulled down (a ge