interchange of sentiment and opinion. Their conversation turned chiefly on the same gloomy topics of robbery and murder. Upon these Murrell appeared to dwell with peculiar and fiendish delight; and would exhibit an air of triumphant pride whenever an opportunity was offered to introduce and enlarge upon some exploit of successful villany.

At length the rising moon, as her placid light was beautifully reflected from the sleety tops of the neighbouring trees, broke in upon their conversation by reminding them that it was time to travel. They mounted their horses and set forward on their unfinished journey. Mr. Stewart now remembered that he had but one pistol, which occasioned him momentary uneasiness. He saw himself (single-armed) unequal to a contest he knew awaited him should Murrell prove faithless in the midst of his friends. Still, nerved by the consideration of the justness of his cause, and assured by the almost hopeless pledge of a villain's honour, he found means once more to suppress his rising fears. Besides, he reflected, that to retreat at a stage in his adventure when danger appeared for the first time seriously to threaten, would savour too much of cowardice; more particularly as his past good management had given him so much the advantage over his antagonist.

They rode briskly on, with every appearance of good-humour and renovated spirits. Mr. Stewart managing all the while to keep somewhat in rear of his companion, determined to give him no possible advantage: for he believed

"A man may smile and murder while he smiles."

"Come, sir," said Murrell, "ride up; the night is cold, and we have far to go;-let us pass the time as pleasantly as possible :-come up, and I will tell you of another feat of this elder brother of whom I have been speaking."

Stewart. "Yes, sir, with all my heart, if it is as good as the last."

Murrell. "He is a likely fellow, tall, and well proportioned, and dresses rather in the Methodist order; and when he is off on his scouts, directing his men how to proceed (for he never carries off property himself, he always has men for that purpose), he frequently makes appointments, and preaches. He is well versed in the Scriptures, and preaches some splendid sermons. He has frequently preached at a place, and before he commenced pointed out some fine horse for his friend to steal; and while he was preaching and praying for them, his friend would save the horse for him. He always gives his residence some other course than the correct direction. In one of those jaunts he called at the house of one Nobs, a Methodist, on Elk river, in Middle Tennessee. Nobs had heard him preach a year before that in the neighbourhood, and was much taken with him as a preacher. He had given his residence in South Alabama, and had spoken a great deal of his negroes and farm; and of the perplexity he had in getting an overseer that would do his duty, and not abuse his slaves, and all such stuff as this, and Brother Nobs drank it all down. Supper came on, and he got them all around the table on their feet; he raised his hands in the most solemn manner, as though he was just going to open the win

dows of heaven, and select its richest blessings for Brother Nobs, his wife, and latest posterity. He was lengthy in his supplications at the table; but when he came to use the books, and go to duty, he was eloquent. The same service was rendered the next morning.

"When about to start, he wanted to pay Brother Nobs; but Brother Nobs was almost hurt to think that he would suppose he would charge him. 'Well, Brother Nobs, will you be so good as to give me change for a twenty-dollar bill? I am out of change, and I dislike to offer a bill of that size to be changed where I stay all night, for the world will say he is a preacher, and does not like to pay for staying all night at a tavern-see, he has presented a twenty-dollar bill to be changed. This is the way of the world—and I hope God, in his mercies, will enable me to live in such a manner as never to dishonour the cause of the Gospel, or degrade the ministry.'

"Brother Nobs, anxious to render the preacher, and, as he thought, a very rich man, a favour, answered him-Yes, brother, with pleasure.' He ran to his wife and got the keys, took out the purse, and counted out seventeen dollars and fifty cents, when his change gave out. Brother Nobs was in a peck of misery. Stay a little; I will run over to Brother Parker's and borrow the balance.'-' Do, if you please, and I will stay with Sister Nobs until you return.' Brother Nobs was not long gone, when he returned with as much pride of being able to accommodate his preacher as an East India merchant would show at the arrival of a rich cargo of goods. The preacher's bill is changed, and all is right.

"Preacher. "Well, Brother Nobs, you have a fine young jack-did you raise him?'

"Brother Nobs. He was foaled mine, and I have raised him.'

"Preacher. 'Will you trade him, Brother Nobs?' "Brother Nobs. I have raised him for that purpose; but I cannot get the worth of him in this country; I have never been offered more than one hundred and fifty dollars for him, and he is worth two hundred and fifty.'

"Preacher. 'Yes, Brother Nobs, he is cheap at that price; and, if I had the money with me, I would rid you of any farther trouble with him.’

"Brother Nobs. 'Well, brother, you can take him. You say that you will be at our camp-meeting. Bring me the money then-that is as soon as I will need it.' "Preacher. "Well, Brother Nobs, I will take him— I need him very much; I want him for my own mares; I am a domestic fellow; I raise my own mules for my farm.'

"The trade being completed, the preacher got ready to start; all the family gathered around him to receive his parting blessing.

"Preacher. 'Brother Nobs, may the Lord bless you, and save you in heaven; farewell. Sister Nobs, may the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ rest and remain upon you; farewell. May the Lord bless your little children: farewell, my dear babies.'

"The preacher was soon gone from Brother Nobs; but not to South Alabama, but to the western district of Tennessee. That day and night put the preacher a long way off, as slow as his jack travelled; though

The

he was an uncommon fine travelling jack. preacher sold his jack for four hundred dollars, and passed a twenty-dollar counterfeit bill on Brother Nobs. Poor Brother Nobs can never hear of his rich young preacher since; but I have no doubt he is on a voyage of soul-saving, and will visit Brother Nobs when he returns."

S. "It would be a source of the highest pleasure to me to see and become acquainted with this wondrous man; my fancy has made him a princely fellow. Perhaps I have been too extravagant in my conceptions; but I know he must be a great man, and possessed of unrivalled mental powers."

M. "That is his character, sir."

S. "I do not wonder at his being a terror to his enemies, neither am I astonished that he should be beloved by his clan. Such a leader should be beloved and adored by his party; for talents and capability should be honoured wherever found; I must confess that what I have heard of this man, alone, of itself, has excited my admiration; but perhaps it is because we are congenial spirits."

M. "Well, sir, we are within three miles of my old friend's; ride up, and we will soon be there. Will you go as far down as Randolph? your horse may have got down in that region."

S. "It is likely that I will, sir; and, if I were not rather scarce of change, I would continue my journey over into Arkansas, as cold as it is, as long as I am so near to it. I have heard much of that country, and I think the land and people would suit my designs