"But he threatens to cross it from the wrong side," replied John, posing sturdily.
Ravenel's smile broadened. "Most any man, Mr. March, could be enticed across."
The mouth of the enticer opened, but his tongue failed.
"A coat of tah and feathers will show him he mustn't even be enticed across," rejoined Lazarus.
Ravenel said something humorous about the new Dixie and a peace policy, and John's face began to show misgivings; but Captain Champion explained that the affair would be strictly select—best citizens—no liquor—no brawl—no life-taking, unless violent resistance compelled it; in fact, no individual act; but——
"Yes, I know," said Ravenel, "you mean one of those irresistable eruptions of a whole people's righteous indignation, that sweeps before it the whining hyper-criticisms of effeminated civilizations," and the smile went round.
"Gentlemen, there's an easier way to get rid of Cornelius; one, Captain, that won't hurt more by the recoil than by the discharge."
They were all silent. John folded his arms. Presently Graves said, meditatively,
"We don't care to hang him, just at——"
"This juncture," said Ravenel; "no, better give him ten years in the penitentiary—for bigamy."