If, however, he were guilty of the attempt, as you allege, of what avail is it for you to make it?
Look around you, young man!"-- taking the youth aside as he spoke in moderated terms--"you have eyes and understanding, and can answer the question for yourself.

Who is here to arrest him?
Who would desire, who would dare to make the endeavor?
We are all here equally interested in his escape, were he a criminal in this respect, because we are all here"-- and his voice fell in such a manner as to be accommodated to the senses of the youth alone--"equally guilty of violating the same laws, and by an offence in comparison with which that against you would be entirely lost sight of.

There is the courthouse, it is true--and there the jail; but we seldom see sheriff, judge, or jailer.

When they do make their appearance, which is not often, they are glad enough to get away again.

If we here suffer injury from one another, we take justice into our own hands--as you allege yourself partly to have done in this case--and there the matter generally ends.