The best that could be done,' returned the hangman.
Hugh made him no answer, but shaking him in his strong grip until his teeth chattered in his head, cast him down upon the floor, and flung himself on the bench again.
'If it wasn't for the comfort it is to me, to see you here,' he muttered, 'I'd have crushed your head against it; I would.' It was some time before Dennis had breath enough to speak, but as soon as he could resume his propitiatory strain, he did so.
'I did the best that could be done, brother,' he whined; 'I did indeed.
I was forced with two bayonets and I don't know how many bullets on each side of me, to point you out.

If you hadn't been taken, you'd have been shot; and what a sight that would have been--a fine young man like you!' 'Will it be a better sight now ?' asked Hugh, raising his head, with such a fierce expression, that the other durst not answer him just then.
'A deal better,' said Dennis meekly, after a pause.

'First, there's all the chances of the law, and they're five hundred strong.

We may get off scot-free.

Unlikelier things than that have come to pass.