CHAPTER XV.
CLOSE QUARTERS.
Colleton was by no means slow in the recognition of the ruffian, and only wondered at his own dullness of vision in not having made the discovery before.

Nor did Rivers, with all his habitual villany, seem so well satisfied with his detection.

Perceiving himself fully known, a momentary feeling of inquietude came over him; and though he did not fear, he began to entertain in his mind that kind of agitation and doubt which made him, for the first time, apprehensive of the consequences.

He was not the cool villain like Munro--never to be taken by surprise, or at disadvantage; and his eye was now withdrawn, though but for a moment, beneath the stern and searching glance which read him through.
That tacit animal confession and acknowledgment were alone sufficient to madden a temper such as that of Rivers.

Easily aroused, his ferocity was fearless and atrocious, but not measured or methodical.