You must impress them with the belief that you look upon me as
an abandoned woman and a murderess. My part shall be to show sympathy
with the old woman in to-day's offence, and to denounce you. I shall
speak of you to Murfrey, as well as to the woman, as a desperado. In
doing this I shall serve the double end of blinding their eyes, and
of making them fear your arm.' To this plan Roland cordially agreed,
and the two returned to the robber's lair.
CHAPTER IX.
DISCIPLINE AND OTHER INCIDENTS.
On the morning after the foregoing occurrence breakfast was taken at
the usual hour. All the robbers were present; and the Rev. Mr. Jonas
thanked God for the repast, and begged that his brethren would be
given strength from above to carry on the good work in which they had
engaged.
The old woman had taken her place at the head of the table, and upon
her hands and face were many plasters. The face of the captain was as
dark as night; and he did not for many minutes speak to anybody. At
last, when the meal was nearly ended, he fixed his fierce eyes upon
Roland.
'Those whose hearts are too craven,' he said, 'to go out for
adventure among men, like to amuse themselves by assailing old women.
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