We have nothing in common but this house and his name." "But you are husband and wife, bound together by a sacred compact." "A compact!" echoed Mrs.Brant, with a bitter laugh.

"Yes, the compact that binds South Carolina to the nigger-worshipping Massachusetts.
The compact that links together white and black, the gentleman and the trader, the planter and the poor white--the compact of those UNITED States.

Bah! THAT has been broken, and so can this." Clarence's face paled.

But before he could speak there was a rapid clattering at the gate and a dismounted vaquero entered excitedly.
Turning to Mrs.Brant he said hurriedly, "Mother of God! the casa is surrounded by a rabble of mounted men, and there is one among them even now who demands admittance in the name of the Law." "This is your work," said Brooks, facing Clarence furiously.

"You have brought them with you, but, by God, they shall not save you!" He would have clutched Clarence, but the powerful arm of Judge Beeswinger intervened.