was then holden; the affair was discussed and set down as another item
in the catalogue of injuries and oppressions of which the court party
had been guilty. Individuals were despatched into all the nearest
houses, and elsewhere, for the purpose of discovering what evidence
might be obtained towards sustaining a prosecution. It was soon
ascertained, however, that no one had seen the fracas, except the
parties in interest,--all Peters's company being so accounted,--and
that, consequently, no hope remained of any legal redress. On this,
some proposed measures of club-law retaliation, some recommended
reprisals on the same principle, and others to force Peters, as soon
as he should appear in the street, to make restitution for the loss he
had occasioned. And so great was the excitement, that had the latter
then made his appearance,--which, it seemed, he was careful not to
do,--it is difficult to say what might have been his reception. But
contrary to the expectations of all, Woodburn, who had been
thoughtfully pacing up and down the road, a little aloof from the
rest, during the discussion, now came forward, and, in a firm and
manly manner, opposed all the propositions which had been made in his
behalf.

"No," said he, in conclusion, "such measures will not bear thinking
of. I threatened him myself with something of the kind you have
proposed. But a little reflection has convinced me I was wrong; for
should I take this method of obtaining redress, nowever richly he
might deserve it at my hands, I should but be doing just what I
condemn in him, and thus place myself on a level with him in his
despicable conduct. No, we will let him alone, and give him all the
rope he will take; and if he don't hang for his misdeeds, he will
doubtless, by his conduct, aid in hastening on the time, which, from
signs not to be mistaken, cannot, I think, be far distant, when a