The old woman and Silent Poll were caught; and they perished in prison, to which they were condemned for life. Murfrey was taken, tried and hanged, and went to his grave without a 'pax vobiscum' from man or woman.
But when the officers came to the spot in the woods where Roland had left the captain tied, they found not that robber. There were marks of a violent 'personal' struggle, and it was concluded that he had freed himself. Thereafter he went to another wild place in Upper Canada, where he gathered two or three desperadoes about him, and the fame of his doings in that region went far and near. To his actual deeds were added many legends, and stories imported from English books, till the man's name was wrapped around by amazing web of history. I may, some day, sift the grain from the chaff, and make a book. There is certainly fact enough there, from which to create a thrilling story.
On the day of Aster's rescue, the magistrate came to Roland.
'I understand,' he said, 'that one of these robbers is at large; the fellow who goes masked as a Wesleyan preacher.'
'Yes; he is holding "revival" meetings at the Don. I shall go with you and your posse, if you wish it.'
When they reached the church door, a little church looking upon the Don River, they found a great number of people assembled. On enquiry they learnt that the Rev. Mr. Jonas had not yet arrived, but that he was expected every minute. Roland stood behind the door, and the magistrate and the constables mixed for the nonce with the crowd.
Presently a murmur went round.
'Mr. Jonas is coming;' and peeping out, Roland saw that saintly individual in a pung, sitting in pious state beside the foremost class-leader of the church. He bowed cordially to all as he drew near, and as he passed through each knot of people he gave some such salutation as:
'I hope God is blessing you,' or 'Is the good work improving?' or
'Shall many declare for Emmanuel to-day?'
He passed into the pulpit, and stood there, his eyes closed, while he uttered some silent prayers.