er, sir-nothing further!" said Grimshaw emphatically,
interrupting the Captain as he attempted to speak; at which the Captain
became so deeply incensed, that he relieved his feelings in that sort of
plain English which a Scotchman can best bestow in telling a man what he
thinks of his character.

"You must remember, sir, you are in the office of the sheriff of the
county-parish, I mean,--and I am, sir, entitled to proper respect.
Begone!--avaunt! you have no right to come here and traduce my character
in that way. You musn't take me for a parish beadle," said Grimshaw,
contorting the unmeaning features of his visage, and letting fly a
stream of tobacco juice in his excitement.

"If you have no laws to give me justice, you have my opinion of your
wrongs," returned the Captain, and taking his hat, left the office with
the intention of returning to the jail. On reflection, he concluded
to call upon Colonel S--, which he did, and finding him in his office,
stated the circumstances to him.

"These things are the fruits of imbecility; but I am sorry to say there
is no relief from them. We are a curious people, and do a great many
curious things according to law, and leave a great many things undone
that the law and lawmakers ought to do. But I will go with you to the
jail, and whatever my influence will effect is at your service," said
the Colonel, putting on his hat, and accompanying the Captain to the
jail.

Mr. Grimshaw had forestalled them, and after having given the jailer
particular instructions to lock Manuel up if he made any further
complaint, and to carry out his orders upon the peril of his situation,
met them a few steps from the outer gate, on his return. "There,
Captain!" said Grimshaw, making a sort of halt, "I have given the jailer
particular orders in regard to your grumbling nigger!"

Neither the Captain nor Colonel S--took any notice of his remarks, and
passed on into the jail. Colonel S--interceded for the man, explaining
the circumstances which had unfortunately brought him there, and begged
the jailer's kind consideration in his behalf. The jailer told them what
his orders had been, but promised to do as far as was in his power, and
to see any thing that was sent to him safely delivered.

After leaving the jail, Colonel S--proposed a walk, and they proceeded
along a street running at right angles with the jail, until they came
to a corner where a large brick building was in process of erection.
Th