The eye of the Georgian flashed out
indignant fires, and his fingers instinctively grasped the pistol at his
holster, while the strongly-aroused expression of his features indicated
the wrath within. With a strong and successful effort, however, though
inwardly chafed at the necessity of forbearance, he contrived, for a
while longer, to suppress any more decided evidence of emotion, while he
replied:--
"Your language, sirrah, whatever you may be, is ruffianly and insolent;
yet, as I represent the country and not myself in this business, and as
I would perform my duties without harshness, I pass it by. I am not
bound to satisfy you, or any of your company, of the truth of the
commission under which I act. It is quite enough if I myself am
satisfied. Still, however, for the same reason which keeps me from
punishing your insolence, and to keep you from any treasonable
opposition to the laws, you too shall be satisfied. Look here, for
yourselves, good people--you all know the great seal of the state!"
He now held up the document from which he had read, and which contained
his authority; the broad seal of the state dangling from the parchment,
distinctly in the sight of the whole gang.
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