he spoke.

Notwithstanding the irritation the incident caused him, Layton could
not, as soon as he found himself alone, avoid laughing at the absurdity
of his situation.

If he never went the full length of believing in the hazardous
consequences Mr. Heron predicted, he at least saw that he must be
prepared for any mark of public disfavor his disappointment might
excite; and it was just possible such censure might assume a very
unpleasant shape. The edicts of Judge Lynch are not always in accordance
with the dignity of the accused, and though this consideration first
forced him to laugh, his second thoughts were far graver. Nor were these
thoughts unmixed with doubts as to what Quackinboss would say of the
matter. Would he condemn the rashness of his first pledge, or the
timidity of his retreat; or would he indignantly blame him for
submission to a menace? In the midst of these considerations, Heron
reentered the room.

"There, sir; it's all signed and sealed. Old Poll's to do the work, and
you 're to be too ill to appear. That will require your stayin' here
till nightfall; but when the folks is at the hall, you can slip through
the town and make for New Lebanon."

"And I am to pay--how much did you say?"

"What you proposed yourself, sir. A hundred dollars."

"At eight o'clock, then, let me have a wagon ready," said Layton, too
much irritated with his own conduct to be moved by anything in that of
his host. He therefore paid little attention to Mr. Heron's account
of all the ingenuity and address it had cost him to induce old Poll
to become his substitute, nor would he listen to one word of the
conversation reported to have passed on that memorable occasion.
What cared he to hear how old Poll looked ten years younger since the
bargain? He was to be dressed like a gentleman; he was to be in full
black; he was to resume all the dignity of the station he had once
held; while he gave the public what he had hitherto resolutely
refused,--some account of himself and his own life. Layton turned away
impatiently at these details; they were all associated with too much
that pained to interest or to please him.

"The matter is concluded now, and let me hear no more of it," said he,
peevishly. "I start at eight." And with this he turned away, leaving no
excuse to his host to remain, or resume an unpalatable subject.

"Your wagon shall be here at the hour, and a smart pair of horses to
bowl you along, sir," said Heron, t