"But he must not be hung," said Job with vehemence.
Mr. Bridgnorth looked up, smiled a little, but shook his head.
"What did he say, sir, if I may be so bold as to ask?" continued
Job.
"His words were few enough, and he was so reserved and short, that,
as I said before, I can only give you the impression they conveyed
to me. I told him, of course, who I was, and for what I was sent.
He looked pleased, I thought--at least his face (sad enough when I
went in, I assure ye) brightened a little; but he said he had
nothing to say, no defence to make. I asked him if he was guilty,
then; and, by way of opening his heart, I said I understood he had
had provocation enough, inasmuch as I heard that the girl was very
lovely and had jilted him to fall desperately in love with that
handsome young Carson (poor fellow!). But James Wilson did not
speak one way or another. I then went to particulars. I asked him
if the gun was his, as his mother had declared. He had not heard of
her admission, it was evident, from his quick way of looking up, and
the glance of his eye; but when he saw I was observing him, he hung
down his head again, and merely said she was right; it was his gun.
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