The mob, approaching the residence of Colonel Colleton, as a place which
might probably have been resorted to by the fugitive, brought the noise
more imperiously to the ears of Rivers, and compelled his departure. He
sallied forth, and in a little while ascertained the cause of the
disorder. By this time the dwelling of Colonel Colleton had undergone
the closest scrutiny. It was evident to the crowd, that, so far from
harboring the youth, they were not conscious of the escape; but of this
Rivers was not so certain. He was satisfied in his own mind that the
stern refusal of Edith to accept his overtures for the rescue, arose
only from the belief that they could do without him. More than ever
irritated by this idea, the outlaw was bold enough, relying upon his
disguise, to come forward, and while all was indecisive in the
multitude, to lay plans for a pursuit. He did not scruple to instruct
the jailer as to what course should be taken for the recovery of the
fugitive; and by his cool, strong sense and confidence of expression, he
infused new hope into that much-bewildered person.
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