John Biery was a constable, yet, although he saw that Smith had been brutally assaulted, he made no attempt to pursue and capture the offenders.

The other men contented themselves with picking up his hat and book and remarking that the men that had run away hadn't had no sort of right, and that Smith ought to have the law on them.

Susannah was the more enraged by this refusal to interfere.
Smith wiped his face from dust and blood.

It pleased Susannah's love of dignity to observe that when he spoke it was not in impotent wrath.
"Go in to your husband, Mrs.Halsey, and tell him to rejoice that we are accounted worthy to suffer." That was not exactly the news that Susannah did bring when she went back to her husband's room.

Her feelings were so upwrought that it was some time before, in pouring out to Halsey her indignation, she could find relief.