"Then I shall be obliged to trouble you to repeat some of your
revelations. Now, mark me, Mr. Maxwell; I am going to procure the
woodman and his son, to witness your statements."
"Fool! what avail will they be, extorted with a rope about my neck?"
"Perhaps we may be able to show you some law such as you never read in
your books. If, as I suspect, this carpet-bag contains papers, I doubt
not we shall find something to confirm your evidence."
The face of the lawyer grew a shade paler; but he spoke not.
"Before I go, let me charge you, at your peril, not to be obstinate; for
here I solemnly assure you that you shall swing by the branch above you,
if you refuse to answer," said Hatchie, going towards the cabin.
The scene of this exploit was at some distance from the log-cabin of the
woodman, and the mulatto had scarcely got out of sight before Vernon
appeared. He had been at a little distance from the parties during the
whole scene, but he had too much respect for the prowess of his late
conqueror to venture on a rescue. He had once been tempted to do so, and
had made the noise which had disturbed Hatchie.
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