was fond of effective phrases.

Tom ventured to hint that a man who would not stand by his country when
her flag was insulted and "trailed in the dust"--Tom had read the daily
papers--ought to be brought to his senses by such expedients as his
fellow-citizens might suggest. Of course this remark only increased the
squire's wrath, and he proceeded to pronounce sentence upon the unlucky
youth, which was that he should be taken to the finished room in the
attic, and confined there under bolts and bars till the inquisitor should
further declare and execute his intentions.

Mrs. Pemberton and Susan remonstrated against this sentence, prudently
suggesting the consequences which might result from detaining the boy. But
the squire declared he should not go till he had at least horsewhipped
him; and if there was any justice left in the land, he would send him to
the county jail in the morning.

Tom wanted to resist the execution of his sentence, but he was still weak
from the effects of his fall, and he could not expect to vanquish both the
squire and his son; so, with an earnest protest, he permitted himself to
be led to the attic chamber. The squire thrust him into the room, and
after carefully securing the door, left our hero to meditate upon the
reverse of fortune which had overtaken him.




CHAPTER VI.

THE WAY IS PREPARED.