When he saw that all were
in their places, he cast a dull look over his prisoners, and addressed
himself to the Captain, as the principal man among the imaginary
delinquents.
"I am called upon this day, to fill the office which in the
settlements you give unto judges, who are set apart to decide on
matters that arise between man and man. I have but little knowledge of
the ways of the courts, though there is a rule that is known unto all,
and which teaches, that an 'eye must be returned for an eye,' and a
'tooth for a tooth.' I am no troubler of countyhouses, and least of
all do I like living on a plantation that the sheriff has surveyed;
yet there is a reason in such a law, that makes it a safe rule to
journey by, and therefore it ar' a solemn fact that this day shall I
abide by it, and give unto all and each that which is his due and no
more."
When Ishmael had delivered his mind thus far, he paused and looked
about him, as if he would trace the effects in the countenances of his
hearers. When his eye met that of Middleton, he was answered by the
latter--
"If the evil-doer is to be punished, and he that has offended none to
he left to go at large, you must change situations with me, and become
a prisoner instead of a judge.
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