He had done rather more than he intended to do; but on the whole he did not much regret it.

He watched the course of the spirited animal, as he dashed madly on to destruction.

The career of the horse was short; for in the act of turning a corner, half a mile from the spot where Tom stood, he upset the chaise, and was himself thrown down, and, being entangled in the harness, was unable to rise before a stout man had him by the head.
"I wish that chaise had been the southern confederacy," said Tom to himself, philosophically, when he saw the catastrophe in the distance.
"Well, it served you right, old Secesh; and I'll bet there ain't many folks in Pinchbrook Harbor that will be willing to comfort the mourners." With this consoling assurance, Tom continued on his way home.

At dinner, he gave the family a faithful account of the transaction.
"You didn't do right, Thomas," said his mother.
"He hit me first." "You called him a traitor." "He is a traitor, and so is his father." "I declare, the boys are as full of fight as an egg is of meat," added gran'ther Greene.
"You haven't seen the last of it yet, Thomas," said the prudent mother.
"No matter, Tom; I'll stand by you," added John.
After dinner, the two boys walked down to the Harbor together..