Under the terrors of the lash, Hob confessed a great deal more than was true, and roused into a part forgetfulness of their offence by the increased prospect of its punishment, which the negro had unhesitatingly represented as near at hand, they proceeded to the office of the lawyer.
It was in vain that Pippin denied all the statements of his negro--his note was thrust into his face; and without scruple, seizing upon his papers, they consigned to the flames, deed, process, and document--all the fair and unfair proceedings alike, of the lawyer, collected carefully through a busy period of twenty years' litigation.

They would have proceeded in like manner to the treatment of Ralph, but that Guy Rivers himself interposed to allay, and otherwise direct their fury.

The cunning ruffian well knew that Forrester would stand by the youth, and unwilling to incur any risk, where the game in another way seemed so secure, he succeeded in quieting the party, by claiming to himself the privilege, on the part of his wounded honor, of a fair field with one who had so grievously assailed it.

Taking the landlord aside, therefore, they discussed various propositions for taking the life of one hateful to the one person and dangerous to them all.

Munro was now not unwilling to recognise the necessity of taking him off; and without entering into the feelings of Rivers, which were almost entirely personal, he gave his assent to the deed, the mode of performing which was somewhat to depend upon circumstances.