to our society.
    This proposition seemed to meet the general sense. It was easy to perceive
that the opinion of the rest coincided with that of their leader;
notwithstanding which a few of them hesitated as to the conduct to be pursued.
In the mean time Gines muttered something in a surly and irresolute way about
taking care how they provoked him. This insinuation instantly roused the courage
of my protector, and his eyes flashed with contempt.
    Rascal! said he, do you menace us? Do you think we will be your slaves? No,
no, do your worst! Go to the next justice of the peace and impeach us; I can
easily believe you are capable of it. Sir, when we entered into this gang, we
were not such fools as not to know that we entered upon a service of danger. One
of its dangers consists in the treachery of fellows like you. But we did not
enter at first, to flinch now. Did you believe that we would live in hourly fear
of you, tremble at your threats, and compromise, whenever you should so please,
with your insolence? That would be a blessed life indeed! I would rather see my
flesh torn piecemeal from my bones! Go, sir! I defy you! You dare not do it! You
dare not sacrifice these gallant fellows to your rage, and publish yourself to
all the world a traitor and a scoundrel! If you do, you will punish yourself,
not us! Begone!
    The intrepidity of the leader communicated itself to the rest of the
company. Gines easily saw that there was no hope of bringing them over to a
contrary sentiment. After a short pause, he answered, I did not mean - No, damn
it! I will not snivel neither. I was always true to my principles and a friend
to you all. But, since you are resolved to turn me out, why, - good bye to you!
    The expulsion of this man produced a remarkable improvement in the whole
gang. Those who were before inclined to humanity assumed new energy in
proportion as they saw such sentiments likely to prevail. They had before
suffered themselves to be overborne by the boisterous insolence of their
antagonists; but now they adopted and with success a different conduct. Those
who envied the ascendancy of their comrade and therefore imitated his conduct
began to hesitate in their career. Stories were brought forward of the cruelty
and brutality of Gines both to men and animals which had never before reached
the ear of the leader. These stories I shall not repeat. They could excite only
emotions of abhorrence and