Guy Rivers: A Tale of Georgia by William Gilmore Simms
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page 17 of 620 (02%)
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broad high forehead did not tend very much to improve or dignify.
Though the air of the stranger was insolent, and his manner rude, our young traveller was unwilling to decide unfavorably. At all events, his policy and mood equally inclined him to avoid any proceeding which should precipitate or compel violence. "There are many good people in the world"--so he thought--"who are better than they promise; many good Christians, whose aspects would enable them to pass, in any crowd, as very tolerable and becoming ruffians. This fellow may be one of the unfortunate order of virtuous people, cursed with an unbecoming visage. We will see before we shoot." Thus thought our traveller, quickly, as became his situation. He determined accordingly, while foregoing none of his precautions, to see farther into the designs of the stranger, before he resorted to any desperate issues. He replied, accordingly, to the requisition of the speaker; the manner, rather than the matter of which, had proved offensive. "Toll! You ask toll of me! By what right, sir, and for whom do you require it?" "Look you, young fellow, I am better able to ask questions myself, than to answer those of other people. In respect to this matter of answering, my education has been wofully neglected." The reply betrayed some intelligence as well as insolence. Our traveller could not withhold the retort. |
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