The family of the Burtons, the nearest neighbours of the Goodwins, no longer received Timms with the frank cordiality that they had manifested in the earlier period of his intercourse with them. Then, they had been communicative, eager to tell all that they knew, and, as the lawyer fancied, even a little more; while they were now reserved, uneasy, and indisposed to let one-half of the real facts within their knowledge be known. Timms thought they had been worked upon, and that they might expect some hostile and important testimony from that quarter. The consultation ended by an exclamation from Dunscomb on the subject of the abuses that were so fast creeping into the administration of justice, rendering the boasted freemen of America, though in a different mode, little more likely to receive its benefit from an unpolluted stream, than they who live under the worn out and confessedly corrupt systems of the old world. Such is the tendency of things, and such one of the ways of the hour. CHAPTER XV “Are those _her_ ribs through which the sun Did peer, as through a grate; And is that woman all her crew? Is that a Death, and are there two? Is Death that woman’s mate.” _The Phantom Ship._ After a short preparatory interview with Anna Updyke, Dunscomb repaired to the gaol, whither he had already despatched a note to announce his intended visit. Good Mrs. Gott received him with earnest attention; for, as the day of trial approached, this kind-hearted woman manifested a warmer and warmer interest in the fate of her prisoner. “You are welcome, Mr. Dunscomb,” said this well-disposed and gentle turnkey, as she led the way to the door that opened on the gallery of the gaol; “and welcome, again and again. I do wish this business may fall into good hands; and I’m afraid Timms is not getting on with it as well as he might.” “My associate has the reputation of being a skilful attorney and a good manager, Mrs. Gott.” “So he has, Mr. Dunscomb; but somehow—I scarce know how myself—but somehow, he doesn’t get along with _this_ cause, as well as I have known him to get along with others. The excitement in the county is terrible; and Gott has had seven anonymous letters to let him know that if Mary Monson escape, his hopes from the public are gone for ever. I tell him not to mind such contemptible things; but he is frightened half out of his wits. It takes good courage, ’Squire, to treat an anonymous letter with the contempt it merits.” “It sometimes does, indeed. Then you think we shall have up-hill work with the defence?”