Becoming interested in the proceedings, and
hearing of the departure of Ralph, to whom he had been despatched, his
head gradually assumed a more elevated position--he soon forgot his
precaution, and the shoulders of the spy, neither the most diminutive
nor graceful, becoming rather too protuberant, were saluted with a smart
assault, vigorously kept up by the assailant, to whom the use of the
hickory appeared a familiar matter. Hob roared lustily, and was dragged
from his cover. The note was found upon him, and still further tended to
exaggerate the hostile feeling which the party now entertained for the
youth. Under the terrors of the lash, Hob confessed a great deal more
than was true, and roused into a part forgetfulness of their offence by
the increased prospect of its punishment, which the negro had
unhesitatingly represented as near at hand, they proceeded to the office
of the lawyer.
It was in vain that Pippin denied all the statements of his negro--his
note was thrust into his face; and without scruple, seizing upon his
papers, they consigned to the flames, deed, process, and document--all
the fair and unfair proceedings alike, of the lawyer, collected
carefully through a busy period of twenty years' litigation.
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