Stuffing a handkerchief into the attorney's mouth, he waited for
the intruder upon his pastime; but no one came, and he proceeded to
search the pockets of the lawyer. To his great disappointment, the key
could not be found.
Hatchie was persuaded that this carpet-bag must contain some evidence
which would be of service to his mistress, in case Uncle Nathan and the
will should not come to light. There were two acts to the drama he
intended to perform on the present occasion; the first, alone with the
attorney,--and the last, in the presence of witnesses. Deferring,
therefore, the opening of the bag to the second act, he proceeded with
the first.
"Now, Mr. Maxwell," said he, "as you have given me encouragement that
you _can_ tell the truth, I have a few questions to put to you."
"I will answer no questions," replied Maxwell, sullenly.
He saw that the mulatto would have it all his own way; and he felt a
desire to conciliate him, but his pride forbade. He felt very much as a
lion would feel in the power of a mouse, if such a thing could be.
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