less Timotheus
beneath it, and Newcome rained a few exultant curses on him, as he
forced his steed; when a well-dressed negro sprang up from nowhere, and,
seizing the rein nearest him, spoke to the intelligent animal, and
backed it to one side. In a moment Timotheus wriggled himself unhurt out
of the litter, and, by main force, pulled the escaped prisoner down;
while Mr. Maguffin remarked that "hoss thieves ain't pumculiah ter no
paht of the habitatable yeth."

Newcome squirmed and fought as well as he was able, but to no avail.
Timotheus was simple and he was clumsy, but he was no weakling. Maguffin
led the horse back into the stable, spread his litter, and replaced the
bridle on the wall. Then he came out quite unruffled, and asked
Timotheus if he would like him to use his new boots on the prisoner, to
which that worthy replied with a grin: "I guess I've pooty nigh parlyzed
his laigs to stop his wrastlin' tricks aready." Sylvanus, in a lucid
moment, remembered his charge, and found the bird had flown. He came
out to look for his Bible-loving friend, dreading the Captain's wrath,
and great was his relief when he found him a victim in the strong arms
of his brother. "Here, Sylvanus, you hold him, so's the Square'll think
t'was you as cotched him," said the unselfish Timotheus. So Sylvanus,
nothing loath, seized the hypocrite, and Timotheus went for the Squire,
while Maguffin looked calmly on, occasionally glancing at his
heavy-soled new boots, as if regretting that there was no immediate call
for their services. The Squire was angry, for he had been kind to the
old sinner; but he saw that the prisoner was an element of weakness in
the house. What was to hinder him escaping again, committing murder,
setting the place on fire? He called up Toner. "Ben," he said, "how long
would it take you to convey Newcome to his home in a farm waggon with a
good team?" "Ef the teeum's smart, I guaiss an houer 'ud do," answered
the prospective son-in-law of the victim. Accordingly a springless
waggon was produced, some straw thrown in, and Newcome securely bound
with ropes, lying flat on his back, with his own coat and a sack or two
put under his head for a pillow. "Timotheus," continued Mr Carruthers,
"you had better go with Ben. Take your guns, both of you, and bring them
back as quick as you can." Off started the ambulance, at first gently
and humanely. When out of sight of the house, Toner grinned at
Timotheus, and Timotheus grinned