Thus terminated the interview between these bad men. Had Eveline dreamed that such would have been the effect of her revelation to them of Duffel's purpose, she would have burned the paper sooner than have placed it in their hands. From one snare she falls into another, and there appears to be no end to her misfortunes.
Night was upon the world. In peaceful slumbers the innocent reposed, while the wicked, the thief and robber, stole out upon errands of vice and crime.
'Squire Williams, though in common a follower of that old proverb:
"Early to bed and early to rise,
Make a man healthy, wealthy and wise;"
was, on this evening, up until past eleven o'clock, in social chat with a neighbor, who had "dropped in to spend the evening" with him. During the conversation between them, the subject of most engrossing and universal interest in that community, that of horse-stealing, was amply discussed.
"What do you think is best to be done?" inquired the neighbor.
"Well, others may do as they please; but I intend to defend my property," was the 'Squire's reply.
"Just the conclusion I have arrived at; and I shall not be surprised if we are called upon very soon to put our resolves into practice."
"Have you heard anything new?"