'This is a most unexpected turn to affairs, Mr. Rutherford; and I think I can see a way now by which we can get hold of these papers, and get rid of these villains at the same time, if you will leave matters to my management.'
'I will, certainly, sir, and feel deeply—'
'Say nothing about that, if you please. I will call for you in about an hour with my carriage. But first will you see this poor fellow, and set him at rest if you can?'
So saying, he led Mr. Rutherford into the adjoining room. The man was still seated, but was evidently in much agitation, for his countenance wore a death-like expression, and he trembled violently.
'Did you wish to speak with me?' said Mr. Rutherford, stepping up to him; 'you seem to be ill.'
'My body is well enough, sir; although I can't tell why it is in such an ague now. I never trembled before through all the dangers I have been in; but my mind is in a sad case, sir;—you see before you one of the men who burnt your beautiful house;'—and the rough sailor burst into tears.
'Do you truly regret having thus injured one who never did you any harm?'
'God knows I do; but tell me one thing, sir, was any of your family—'
'Burned with the dwelling, you were going to say; no, thank God and the faithfulness of my good old negro, they were not injured.'
'Thank God it is so, sir! and oh that my old messmate could have known this before he left the world!—he died, sir, howling like a raving man—"that he was a murderer!"'