midday
When the verdict of suicide was given , the jury dismissed , and he prepared , along with the constable , to deliver over the body of the escaped prisoner into the gaoler 's hands , he bade Mrs. Rawdon an almost affectionate goodbye , and made touching enquiries after the welfare of her son Monty . As an honourable woman , she was received , in spite of her late husband 's character , and her own unconscious crimes , into the Bridesdale circle , which , however , she soon left in the company of her benevolent host . The Squire informed her that he had a large sum of money in keeping for her and her son , and that Miss Du Plessis would either send her all the furniture of Tillycot , when she was prepared to receive it , or take it from her at an equitable valuation , to either alternative of which she strongly objectd . Before Mr. Rigby finished his midday meal , without which it was impossible that he , at his age , could travel , Mr. Pawkins twisted the British lion 's tail several times , to which the corporal replied sadly : `` Had I still been in the British army , sir , I should have been degraded for losing prisoners committed to my guard , but any man who allows himself to speak as you do , sir , of what you are too ignorant to judge of , is degraded already . '' The cautious Yankee was equally unsuccessful with Ben , who met him with : `` Do n't give me no more lip about Serlizer and old man Newcome , but jist you tell 'em I 've waushed the bilin ' of 'em clear off 'n my hands fer a gayul as Serlizer ai n't a patch on . '' Then Mr. Pawkins amused himself asking Tryphosa if it was Maguffin or Timotheus was her young man , giving as his private opinion that the nigger was the smarter man of the two . When Tryphena playfully ordered him out of the house , he expressed intense sorrow for Sylvanus ' future , but was glad to hear he was getting a present rest , paddling his mud barge round the Simcoe pond .