After a very brief conversation with him, no one could doubt that humor
formed a predominant trait in his disposition. In fact, the spirit of
the forthcoming jest was visible in his countenance before the jest
itself came forth; but although his whole features bore a careless
and buoyant expression, yet there was no mistaking in them the
unquestionable evidences of great shrewdness and good sense. He also
indulged occasionally in an ironical and comic sarcasm, which, however,
was never directed against his friends; this he reserved for certain
individuals whose character entitled them to it at his hands. He
also drew the long-bow, when he wished, with great skill and effect.
Woodward, after having scrutinized his countenance for some time, was
about to make some inquiries, as a stranger, concerning his family and
the reputation they bore in the neighborhood, when he found himself,
considerably to his surprise, placed in the witness-box for a rather
brisk fire of cross-examination.
"You are no stranger in this part of the country, I presume" said
he, with a view of bringing him out for his own covert and somewhat
ungenerous purposes.
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