human
Yes, assassinate, returned the Aid-de-Camp, fixing his eye upon that of his prisoner, yet without perceiving that it quailed under his penetrating glance.
gpt
It's an ugly word, I reckon, for you to hear, as it is for me to speak; but your quarrel last night--your fix just now-- that knife,--Liftenant Grantham, and he pointed to the blade which still remained in the grasp of the accused.
human
Surely these things speak for themselves, and though the fellow has swallowed off all my Wabash, and be d----d to him, (making a fruitless attempt to extract a few drops from his canteen,) still I shouldn't like to see him murdered in that sort of way.
gpt
I cannot blame you, Captain Jackson, said Gerald calmly, his features resuming their pallid hue.
human
These appearances, I grant, might justify the suspicion, horrible as it is, in one who had known more of me than yourself; but was assassination even a virtue, worlds would not tempt me to assassinate that man--wretch though he be--or even to slay him in fair and open combat.
gpt
Then, I calculate, one night has made a pretty considerable change in your feelings, Liftenant, retorted the Aid-de- Camp.
human
You were both ready enough to go at it last night, when I knocked the knife out of your fist, and broke the knuckles of his gouging hand.
gpt
I confess, said Gerald, again coloring,
human
Well, said Jackson,
gpt
My motive for the action I must beg you to excuse my entering upon, replied Gerald.
human
Of this, however, be assured, Captain Jackson, that I had no intention to injure yon sleeping villain. On the word of an officer and a gentleman, and by the kindness you have shown me on all occasions since our journey commenced, do I solemnly assure you this is the fact.
gpt
And on the word of an officer, and a true Tennessee man, bred and born, I am bound to believe you, returned the American, much affected.
human
A man that could fight so wickedly in the field would never find heart, I reckon, to stick an enemy in the dark. No, Liftenant Grantham, you were not born to be an assassin. And now let's be starting--the day has already broke.
gpt
And yet, returned Gerald, with a smile of bitter melancholy, as they hurried towards the spot where they had left their horses,
human
God bless my soul! cried Jackson, dropping the saddle which he carried, and standing still with very amazement.
gpt
A pretty fix I've got into, to be sure. Here's one man accuses another of murdering his son, and t'other, by way of quits, accuses him, in his turn, of murdering his father. Why, which am I to believe?
human
Which you please, Captain Jackson,
gpt
Nay, Liftenant Grantham, said the Aid-de-Camp, who had again resumed his burden, and was speedily at the side of his companion,
human
I am not offended, only hurt, replied Gerald, shaking the hand that was cordially tendered to him;
gpt
Now that's what I call all right and proper, returned the Aid-de-Camp,