Having done this, as
if in sorrow, he will rest on the ground beside him; slowly he
lumbers his body down, his head and neck circled toward that of the
lifeless ruffian on the ground.
The disconsolate hunter here leaves his useless companion, swims the
stream, recalls the gory-mouthed dogs, looks with satisfaction on
the body of the torn slave. "You're settled for," says Bengal, as
with his right foot he kicks together the distended and torn limbs.
"Not all loss, yet!" he adds, a glow of satisfaction infusing his
face. With the ghastly head for proof, he will apply for, and
perhaps obtain, the state's reward for the despatch of outlaws; and
with the gory trophy he returns across the limpid stream to his
hapless companion, who, having watched over during the night, he
will convey into the city to-morrow morning. Over his body the very
humorous Mr. Brien Moon will hold one of those ceremonies called
inquests, for which, fourteen dollars and forty cents being paid
into his own pocket, he will order the valueless flesh under the
sod, handsomely treating with cigars and drinks those who honour him
with their presence.
In the old man's camp, a hatchet, a few bits of corn-bread, (old
Jerushe's gift), and two fresh caught fish, are found; they
constituted his earthly store. But he was happy, for his heart's
impulses beat high above the conflict of a State's wrongs. That
spirit so pure has winged its way to another and better world,
where, with that of the monster who wronged nature while making
cruelty his pastime, it will appear before a just God, who sits in
glory and judgeth justly.
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