They determined, therefore, prudently for
themselves, to keep as much out of the way of detection as they could;
and to avoid those risks upon which a previous conference had partially
persuaded them to adventure. They were also apprized of the greater
excitement attending the fate of Forrester, than could possibly have
followed the death, in his place, of the contemplated victim; and,
adopting a habit of caution, heretofore but little considered in that
region, they prepared for all hazards, and, at the same time, tacitly
determined upon the suspension of their numerous atrocities--at least,
while a controlling force was in the neighborhood. Previous impunity had
led them so far, that at length the neighboring country was aroused, and
all the better classes, taking advantage of the excitement, grew bolder
in the expression of their anger against those who had beset them so
long. The sheriff, Maxson, had been something tutored by these
influences, or, it had been fair to surmise that his scruples would have
been less difficult to overcome.
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