"No, not from the devil."

"Well, sir, it's 'Squire Williams, sure's I'm a living son of my mother!"

"'Squire Williams?"

"Yes, it is. I've known him ever since I had such hard work to get off from
him; I tell you, when I thought of the trial, I felt mightily like payin'
him off for his advice on that occasion, after I was cleared; but, think's
I, it won't do."

"It's well you come to that conclusion; we don't want over one dead man on
our hands at once. But say, what shall we do?"

"Wait a while longer for that Hadley, and if he don't come, then go to meet
Duffel."

This suggestion was accordingly acted upon. After remaining nearly three
hours longer for their victim, who came not, they repaired to the place of
rendezvous, to report to their employer and superior, and finish up the
other branch of the night's business.

Arrived at the spot, they found Duffel pacing up and down in a state of
impatience and disquietude. So soon as he was cognizant of their presence,
he inquired:

"How now? What has kept you so late? Is all right?"

"If your honor will take breath a moment between the questions, we will