He either for a time heard not or understood not the charges
made by Ralph against his late coadjutor, until brought to his
consciousness by the increased stir among the confederates, who now
rapidly crowded about the spot, in time to hear the denial of the latter
to the accusation, in language and a manner alike fierce and
unqualified.
"Hear me!" was the exclamation of the youth--his voice rising in due
effect, and illustrating well the words he uttered, and the purpose of
his speech:--"I charge this born and branded villain with an attempt
upon my life. He sought to rob and murder me at the Catcheta pass but a
few days ago. Thrown between my horse's feet in the struggle, he
received the brand of his hoof, which he now wears upon his cheek. There
he stands, with the well-deserved mark upon him, and which, but for the
appearance of his accomplices, I should have made of a yet deeper
character. Let him deny it if he can or dare."
The face of Rivers grew alternately pale and purple with passion, and he
struggled in vain, for several minutes, to speak.
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