“There I think the captain miscalcilates,” observed Joel with a knowledge of human nature that would have been creditable to him, had he practised on it himself.  “No man is thankful for rum when the craving is off, sin’ he knows he has been taking an inimy into his stomach; and as for the money, it was much the same as giving the liquor, seem’ that it went for liquor as soon as he could trot down to the mill.  A man will seek his revenge for rum, as soon as for anything else, when he gets to feel injuries uppermost.  Besides, I s’pose the captain knows an injury will be remembered long a’ter a favour is forgotten.”

“This may be true, Strides, and certainly I shall keep my eyes on the Indian.  Can you mention any particular act, that excites your suspicion?”

“Don’t the captain think Nick may have had suthin’ to do with the desartions?—­A dozen men would scarce desart all at once, as it might be, onless someone was at the bottom of it.”

This was true enough, certainly, though Joel chose to keep out of view all his own machinations and arts on the subject.  The captain was struck by the suggestion, and he determined to put his first intention in respect to Nick in force immediately.  Still, it was necessary to proceed with caution, the state of the Hut rendering a proper watch and a suitable prison difficult to be obtained.  These circumstances were mentioned to the overseer, who led the way to the part of the buildings occupied by his own family; and, throwing open the doors, ostentatiously exhibited Phoebe and her children in their customary beds, at a moment when so many others had proved recreant.  His professed object was to offer a small closet in his own rooms as a prison for Nick, remarking he must be an ingenious savage indeed, if he could escape the vigilance of as many watchful eyes as would then be on him.

“I believe you, Strides,” said the captain, smiling as he walked away from the place; “if he can escape Phoebe and her children, the fellow must be made of quicksilver.  Still, I have a better prison in view.  I am glad to see this proof, however, of your own fidelity, by finding all your family in their beds; for those are not wanting who would have me suspect even you”

“Me!—­Well, if the captain can’t count on his own overseer, I should like to ask such persons on whom he can count?  Madam Willoughby and the young ladies isn’t more likely to remain true than I am, myself, I should think—­What in reason, or natur’, or all lawful objects, could make me——­”

Joel was about to run into that excess of vindication that is a little apt to mark guilt; but, the captain cut him short, by telling him it was unnecessary, recommending vigilance, and walking away in search of Nick.