The victims are rolled in blankets, and laid away in the corn-shed; they will await the arrival of the coroner, who, the landlord says, it will be no more than right to send for.  They are only two dead Crackers, however, and nobody doubts what the verdict will be.  In truth-and it must be told once in a while, even in our atmosphere-the only loss is the two votes, which the candidate had already secured with his meat and drink, and which have now, he regrets, been returned to the box of death instead of his ballot.  Poor voters, now only fit to serve the vilest purpose! how degraded in the scale of human nature is the being, only worth a suffrance at elections, where votes cast from impulse control the balance of power.  Such beings are worth just nothing; they would not sell in the market.  The negro waiters say, “It don’t make a bit of matter how much white rubbish like this is killed, it won’t fetch a bid in the market; and when you sell it, it won’t stay sold.”

“Lose I dat way, Cato, might jist as well take tousand dollar straight out o’ mas’r’s pocket; but dese critters b’nt notin’ nohow,” says old Daniel, one of the servants, who knows the value of his own body quite well.  Daniel exults as he looks upon the dead bodies he is assisting to deposit in the corn-shed.

Mr. M’Fadden is carefully borne into the tavern, where, after much difficulty, he is got up stairs and laid on a very nice bed, spread with snowy white linen.  A physician is called, and his wound dressed with all possible skill and attention.  He is in great pain, however; begs his friends to bestow all care upon him, and save no expense.

Thus ends our political day.  The process of making power to shape the social and political weal of our State, closes.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Mr. M’FADDEN sees shadows in the future.

Night has quickly drawn its curtain over the scene.  Mr. M’Fadden lies on his bed, writhing under the pain of the poisoned wound.  He left his preacher locked up for the night in a cold hovel, and he has secured the dangerous Bible, lest it lessen his value.  Mr. M’Fadden, however, feels that now his earthly career is fast closing he must seek redemption.  Hie has called in the aid of a physician, who tells him there is great danger, and little hope unless his case takes a favourable turn about midnight.  The professional gentleman merely suggests this, but the suggestion conveys an awful warning.  All the misdeeds of the past cloud before his eyes; they summon him to make his peace with his Maker.  He remembers what has been told him about the quality of mercy,—­the duration of hope in redemption,—­which he may secure by rendering justice to those he has wronged.  But now conscience wars with him; he sees the fierce elements of retribution gathering their poisoned shafts about him; he quails lest their points pierce his