Impelled with steps unceasing to pursue
  Some fleeting good that mocks me with the view;
  That, like the circle, bounding earth and skies,
  Allures from far, and, as I follow, flies.

  GOLDSMITH.

Whenever Tom Gladding and Primus put their heads together, it was pretty certain that there was some mischief afoot, and a few words of the conversation, which we overhear, as they walk down the street in company, leave no doubt on the subject.

“You see, Prime,” said Gladding, “the foolish fellow ain’t cured yet.”

“Let us insult ober his case,” said Primus.

“I thought he’d got enough; but, he’s as parvarse as the nine lives of a cat.  Why, there was the whack at the island, and, then, the jam on the ice, and, last, the scare in the snowstorm; a fellow’s unreasonable to want more, and, yet, the darn’d crittur’s holding out his platter.”

“What you want to put in, Missa Gladding?”

“Some of the same mess.  I don’t care about hurting him; but, I should like to cure him of his parsecuting ways.”

“Well, you is a good cook.  What you up to dis time?” said the General, grinning at the idea of more tricks.

“Colored people is celebrated for their contrivances; so, scratch your wool, and give us the benefit of your genius.”

“De sheep hab no gumption,” said Primus, looking grave at this allusion to his hair.

“I tell you what I want you to do,” said Tom, taking no notice of Primus’ gravity, and certain that the old fellow was unable to resist the temptation to a frolic; “but, don’t let’s stand here all day talking.  Folks may suspicion something; so, push along, and I’ll give you my idees.”

They must have pleased the General, for, soon, his face began to brighten, and his eyes to glisten; and he parted from his companion, apparently, with the best understanding, and in the highest good humor possible.

In accordance with the arrangement between them, the negro hunted up Basset, and soon learned from him, that he had a mittimus to commit Holden.  The cunning fellow, at first, pretended to dissuade him from making use of it, taking care, at the same time, to drop a few words, from which, it might be inferred, there was no difficulty in apprehending the fugitive.  He, at last, let out the fact, rather unwillingly, as it seemed, that the Recluse was in the habit of passing his hut, in the evening, on visits—­as the General supposed—­to his friends in the village.  The constable caught at the bait, and, having lost all fear of any resistance, on the part of the Solitary, persuaded Primus, with some difficulty, to allow him to watch at his cabin, for his prey; engaging his assistance, at the same time, should it become necessary.  It was, accordingly, agreed, that the same night should be devoted to enforce the demands of justice.