"Neither," we replied; "but we require you to be patient, and to make atonement for some of the wrong that you have done. This you shall do, or be lodged in a prison and returned to England."
"Do you take me for a child, that I should be thus lectured by boys and a gray-headed idiot? You don't know me yet!"
The desperate man suddenly turned, while talking, and with one of his heavy boots kicked the hound upon his head; but the noble brute did not even utter a whimper, although the blow brought blood upon his glossy coat. But dearly did the fellow pay for his cruelty, for, as he dashed towards the door, for the purpose of escaping, Rover sprang upon him, seized him by his neck, and bore him headlong to the floor, where he held him, despite of his struggles and cries.
We let them fight it out without interference, but a few minutes were sufficient to produce cries for quarter from Follet, although before we listened to them we disarmed him of his knife and remaining pistol.
"Get up," I said, addressing the prostrate man, "and remember that acts of cruelty sometimes bring immediate punishment."
He arose, sullen and angry, yet not daring to manifest it by deeds and words. I motioned him to a place near the stove, where Mr. Critchet was seated, and from whence he had witnessed all that had transpired, without remark or interference.
"Why am I treated in this manner?" demanded Follet, hesitating, before he complied with my request.
"Because we think that it is necessary for you to make reparation for wrongs that you have committed during a lifetime."
"Who accuses me?" he asked, after a pause.
"I do!" said Mr. Critchet.