Brown was equally astonished and embarrassed by the circumstances in which he found himself, possessed, as he now appeared to be, of property to a much greater amount than his own, but which had been obtained in all probability by the same nefarious means through which he had himself been plundered.  His first thought was to inquire after the nearest justice of peace, and to place in his hands the treasure of which he had thus unexpectedly become the depositary, telling at the same time his own remarkable story.  But a moment’s consideration brought several objections to this mode of procedure In the first place, by observing this course he should break his promise of silence, and might probably by that means involve the safety, perhaps the life, of this woman, who had risked her own to preserve his, and who had voluntarily endowed him with this treasure—­a generosity which might thus become the means of her ruin.  This was not to be thought of.  Besides, he was a stranger, and for a time at least unprovided with means of establishing his own character and credit to the satisfaction of a stupid or obstinate country magistrate.  ’I will think over the matter more maturely,’ he said; ’perhaps there may be a regiment quartered at the county town, in which case my knowledge of the service and acquaintance with many officers of the army cannot fail to establish my situation and character by evidence which a civil judge could not sufficiently estimate.  And then I shall have the commanding officer’s assistance in managing matters so as to screen this unhappy madwoman, whose mistake or prejudice has been so fortunate for me.  A civil magistrate might think himself obliged to send out warrants for her at once, and the consequence, in case of her being taken, is pretty evident.  No, she has been upon honour with me if she were the devil, and I will be equally upon honour with her.  She shall have the privilege of a court-martial, where the point of honour can qualify strict law.  Besides, I may see her at this place, Kipple—­Couple—­what did she call it? and then I can make restitution to her, and e’en let the law claim its own when it can secure her.  In the meanwhile, however, I cut rather an awkward figure for one who has the honour to bear his Majesty’s commission, being little better than the receiver of stolen goods.’

With these reflections, Brown took from the gipsy’s treasure three or four guineas, for the purpose of his immediate expenses, and, tying up the rest in the purse which contained them, resolved not again to open it until he could either restore it to her by whom it was given, or put it into the hands of some public functionary.  He next thought of the cutlass, and his first impulse was to leave it in the plantation.  But, when he considered the risk of meeting with these ruffians, he could not resolve on parting with his arms.  His walking-dress, though plain, had so much of a military character as suited not amiss with his having such a weapon.  Besides, though the custom of wearing swords by persons out of uniform had been gradually becoming antiquated, it was not yet so totally forgotten as to occasion any particular remark towards those who chose to adhere to it.  Retaining, therefore, his weapon of defence, and placing the purse of the gipsy in a private pocket, our traveller strode gallantly on through the wood in search of the promised highroad.