ght, and that of Mr. Bangs was a
curious study, revealing a mind which had joyfully come to a decision it
had been struggling after in the face of serious difficulties. When the
verdict of suicide was given, the jury dismissed, and he prepared, along
with the constable, to deliver over the body of the escaped prisoner
into the gaoler's hands, he bade Mrs. Rawdon an almost affectionate
goodbye, and made touching enquiries after the welfare of her son Monty.
As an honourable woman, she was received, in spite of her late husband's
character, and her own unconscious crimes, into the Bridesdale circle,
which, however, she soon left in the company of her benevolent host. The
Squire informed her that he had a large sum of money in keeping for her
and her son, and that Miss Du Plessis would either send her all the
furniture of Tillycot, when she was prepared to receive it, or take it
from her at an equitable valuation, to either alternative of which she
strongly objectd. Before Mr. Rigby finished his midday meal, without
which it was impossible that he, at his age, could travel, Mr. Pawkins
twisted the British lion's tail several times, to which the corporal
replied sadly: "Had I still been in the British army, sir, I should have
been degraded for losing prisoners committed to my guard, but any man
who allows himself to speak as you do, sir, of what you are too ignorant
to judge of, is degraded already." The cautious Yankee was equally
unsuccessful with Ben, who met him with: "Don't give me no more lip
about Serlizer and old man Newcome, but jist you tell 'em I've waushed
the bilin' of 'em clear off'n my hands fer a gayul as Serlizer ain't a
patch on." Then Mr. Pawkins amused himself asking Tryphosa if it was
Maguffin or Timotheus was her young man, giving as his private opinion
that the nigger was the smarter man of the two. When Tryphena playfully
ordered him out of the house, he expressed intense sorrow for Sylvanus'
future, but was glad to hear he was getting a present rest, paddling his
mud barge round the Simcoe pond. Mr. Pawkins was offensively personal,
but kept the table lively, and parted with them, regretting that, having
left his catechism at home, he was unable to favour his dear children
with a little much-needed religious instruction. The door was slammed
behind him, and Mr. Rigby remarked with animation: "Very properly done,
Miss Hill, a very timely rebuke of unpardonable American insolence!"

When evening came,