"I do not mean to be impertinent," said Dalhousie; "but perhaps I may be able to serve you. The man you seek is a villain!"
"Good gracious!" exclaimed Uncle Nathan,—for we presume it is unnecessary to tell the reader that it was he,—"I know that."
"Indeed, then you have some knowledge of him?"
"Sartain! but do you know a minister in these parts by the name of Faxon?"
"I do; he lives close by."
"Do you belong in this part of this country, Mister?" asked Uncle Nathan, who seemed to make the question a prelude to other inquiries.
"I do. But I must leave you now. I am the bearer of life to one whom I love dearer than myself. I have been foully wronged by the man you visit."
"Heavens and airth! you don't say so?" exclaimed Uncle Nathan.
"Doomed to a death by starvation, with my wife, in yonder jail, by his malice, I have just effected my escape. My wife is nearly dead, but I hope to restore her with these fruits."
"Good Heavens! who would have thought there was such a monster upon the airth?"