“Now, Prime,” said Basset, “you’re rather too hard.  I asked your pardon, and that’s all a man can do.  I’m sure I didn’t mean to set you agoing at this rate.”

“It bery easy, Massa Basset, to say I ask you pardon, and bery polite for a white man to say it to a colored pusson, but does dat pay for de breaking ob a leg or de setting ob my neck?”

“What did it cost to mend your leg?”

“I gib Fannin, de carpenter, a halb dollar for a new one dat wasn’t half so good as de ole one.”

“Well, I vow, that’s considerable for an old stick, ’cause I know there wasn’t no new iron work about it, for you had the old ferule left; but seeing as how I broke it, I’ll split the difference with you, so there’s a quarter.  But why didn’t you speak of it afore?”

“’Cause,” said Primus, taking the money with eyes brightening at the sight, “’tween gen’lemen, de trifle was too small.”

“Well, you’re a curious chap.  Now most folks would have dunned me right off for the damage.  There’s Tom Gladding’, if he had a wooden leg, and I broke it, don’t you suppose he’d make me settle before sunset next day?  Besides the law was all on your side.”

“I guess, Massa Gladding ’tend to business in his own way,” said the now good-humored General, “but you, Squire, is an old ’quaintance, and you disappointment so great, I didn’t like to mention de leg.”

As soon as Primus uttered the word “Squire,” Basset knew that the reconciliation between them was complete.  The General never used the word in reference to his companion, except when pleased and desirous to pay a compliment, and was fully aware of the effect it produced.  The constable, born and bred among a people fond of titles, and fond of giving them, was not exempt from the common weakness.  He, however, thought it incumbent on him to disclaim the dignity, to which Primus answered, that if he were not a Squire he ought to be, and would be next year.

A tall figure, which, from the gait and dress, appeared to be that of Holden, was now seen approaching deliberately in the moonlight, and the constable addressed himself to the performance of his duty.  It was thought best to allow the fugitive to pass the cabin, so that in the event of an attempt at evasion, which was not anticipated indeed, but which the prudent General thought ought to be guarded against, the difficulty of escape might be greater.  As the man advanced, the constable was certain it was Holden.  There was the long beard falling on his breast, and the grey frock girt with a sash; and had not the cap been pulled down low over his forehead, even the features might have been distinguishable.

After the person had passed, Basset cautiously opened the door and quietly stole after him, but, in spite of every precaution, it was impossible to move without making a sound on the crisp snow, easily heard in the still night.  The person heard it, and turning his head, beheld the constable two or three rods in the rear.  Basset observing him look round, quickened his pace, and advanced confidently to make the capture; but in the same proportion the figure hastened his steps.  Thereupon the constable increased his speed, in which he was imitated by the other, until both pursuer and pursued were in a run.