“Braintree,” said the young man seriously, but in considerable agitation; “what do you mean by this?--Are you mad?” “Noa, noa;--not yet, not yet;--but handy to it--Not mad!” exclaimed Saul, striking the iron, which bound his wrists, against his head; “but don't trouble about I, lad; look to thy own wits, young chap.” “Really, Saul, I cannot put up with a continuance of this:--you are not drunk; I know it by your manner. I have never seen you thus before. I pity you; and pray to God, that you may obtain a deliverance, by the verdict of a jury.” “I'll never be tried!” exclaimed Saul in a loud whisper.--“I'll never be tried! Zaul Braintree ha'n't kept his wits brooding all these years, to be caught like a quail, and ha' his neck twisted! No, no; they ha' brought me to the wrong gaol for that; it's like putting a rat in a fishing-net.” “I don't think, Saul, there is any probability of your escaping,” said young Stapleton; “and I advise you not to make the attempt.” “Don't talk to I.--Ha'n't I, when you was a buoy, no bigger round than my thigh,--ha'n't I heard you read, when you zat a-top o' my knee, about the mouse gnawing the lion out o' the znare:--han't I?--Ah! you do recollect, do'ee?” “I do, I do, too well, Saul,” replied Martin, as a tear trickled down his cheek; “and I am sorry--I am grieved--I feel more than you can imagine to see you here. But what has the fable to do with you?” “Every thing--I shall get out--strength can't do it for me, but--” “Saul Braintree, I now see what you are driving at,” said Martin; “but do not flatter yourself with so vain a hope. You are accused of a crime, of which, I hope--nay, I think--you will prove yourself guiltless: but though I am but young, I feel that I ought not, dare not, cannot interfere between you and the laws of your country. My father--” “Now, doan't'ee preach; doan't'ee make a zimpleton o' your-zelf, I tell'ee:--but, can any body hear us?--be the constable nigh?” eagerly inquired Saul, dropping his voice to a low tone. “No,” said Martin, “you may be sure of that; or I would not have remained, thus long, exposed to the madness or insolence of your remarks;--I know not which to call it.” “Why, thou jackanapes!” said Saul, sneeringly, though his eye, at the same time, glared with an expression of the utmost fury on young Stapleton; “thou young jackanapes! dost thee tell I about insolence?--Thee shalt down on thy knees for this.” “Braintree, good night,” said Martin, moving toward the door: “I did not expect this conduct.”