human
The most curious head I ever beheld, said Doctor Blunt's companion.
gpt
Did you ever see such a development? The organ of combativeness enormously full, and destructiveness as big as my fist. I must have that head for my cabinet, doctor.
human
Ah, Sir Richard, I see you have brought in a prisoner, said Doctor Blunt, raising his head as I came up with the man I had taken.
gpt
This is my friend, Doctor ----, the famous phrenologist.
human
Did you ever see such an extraordinary head, Sir Richard? said the enthusiastic professor of what was then almost a new science.
gpt
Why, it is all back; it has neither top nor front. The posterior portion must weigh ten times the anterior. You, sir, what's your name? he continued, turning to my prisoner.
human
Do you know who this is?
gpt
That is Will, sir, answered the unfortunate man;--
human
There, I told you so! cried the doctor, rejoicing in the triumph of his art.
gpt
He could not help it. That organ of destructiveness did it all. That man should never have been suffered to go loose. Henceforth, if crimes are committed, it is the fault of society. We can always detect the propensity to mischief by the certain laws of phrenology, and our business is to guard against it. If we suffer men like that to go loose, the crimes they commit are chargeable to our own negligence.
human
We had better return to the house and secure these two men. I must also ask you to do me the great favour of lending me a horse to ride to the county town; for I cannot be satisfied till I see this Colonel Halliday.
gpt
You had better postpone your journey till to-morrow morning, answered the doctor, walking with me towards the door.
human
Don't you think it will be dangerous to go alone at this time of night?
gpt
Oh, no, I replied.
human
These people will not rally; and you may be sure they brought up their whole force. If I am not mistaken, you may look upon the insurrection as at an end. They have met with a check which they will not soon recover; and your neighbours will have much to thank you for, Doctor Blunt.
gpt
Well, sir, replied the doctor, evidently much gratified,
human
I trust we have done our duty; and if every one will do his duty in such circumstances, the state will have nothing to fear.
gpt
Your gallant young son, sir, has done his duty too, nobly, I replied;
human
I am quite sure he brought down his man; he was as steady as an old soldier.
gpt
I am delighted to hear you say so, Sir Richard, answered the father, doubtless with a proud heart.
human
He has been brought up to obey orders, without hesitation, and I trust he has a right--a hereditary right--to courage. His family has not produced a coward, sir, and I trust it never will; but you had better come in and finish your supper, Sir Richard, while they get a horse for you. Will it not be better to have one saddled for your man Zed likewise? He knows the roads more thoroughly than you do, I suspect, and might be of assistance to you in case of danger.