“I did not say,” said Josiah coolly, “that their sentences would be the same. Ned Frank will probably be gibbeted for example--but Bill may--” The quarter-master buried his head within his hands, and murmured, “My son! my son!” “My father!” responded a voice, and my brother clasped the old man in his arms. A moment passed in silence. “Is this foul story true, William’ said the quarter-master, and in tones which seemed to dread an answer to the inquiry. “False as hell!” was boldly responded, and again the son was locked more closely in his father’s arms. “The tale is short. Accident brought me to the cliffs; I witnessed an unequal conflict--one man was assailed by three--and I joined him.” “Right--by Heaven!” and for the first time my father lifted his head proudly. “I took the weaker side, and as it would appear, I undesignedly have rescued a criminal.” “If you can support that statement by evidence, I’ll undertake,” said the lawyer, “to get you off with transportation.” “Off with the Devil!” roared my father. My brother smiled. “Well, uncle, you hold out a pleasant prospect, and after I have travelled at the public expense, I shall feel myself bound in gratitude to come back, improved in morals and manners, and tell you what I have seen; but after all, there will be no necessity to undertake the voyage. When the true history of this unfortunate affray is known, it will not be difficult to prove that I am blameless, and that I was neither engaged in unlawful enterprises, nor knew aught of the fatal consequences that followed. For a time, however, I will leave home, not from any fears upon my own account, but to avoid the painful duty of being called upon to criminate the guilty.” To all, my brother’s determination seemed right. My kind-hearted parent approved the motives, and gave a ready consent. The lawyer observed, that it would afford ample time, should it be found advisable, to buy off the evidence; while George Gripp proved the value of a friend in need, by volunteering to swear an alibi himself,--an offer which elicited a warm eulogium from his virtuous patron. In half-an-hour William came to my room to say farewell, he had made up some necessaries in a bundle, which he threw from the window to a friend, who was waiting for him in the garden.