They would
have proceeded in like manner to the treatment of Ralph, but that Guy
Rivers himself interposed to allay, and otherwise direct their fury. The
cunning ruffian well knew that Forrester would stand by the youth, and
unwilling to incur any risk, where the game in another way seemed so
secure, he succeeded in quieting the party, by claiming to himself the
privilege, on the part of his wounded honor, of a fair field with one
who had so grievously assailed it. Taking the landlord aside, therefore,
they discussed various propositions for taking the life of one hateful
to the one person and dangerous to them all. Munro was now not unwilling
to recognise the necessity of taking him off; and without entering into
the feelings of Rivers, which were almost entirely personal, he gave his
assent to the deed, the mode of performing which was somewhat to depend
upon circumstances. These will find their due development as we proceed.
In the meanwhile, Ralph had returned to the village-inn, encountering,
at the first step, upon entering the threshold, the person of the very
interesting girl, almost the only redeeming spirit of that
establishment.
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