I'd got religion from my mother, for she taught me
the love of God, and father, the water-bailiff, he taught me the fear of
God likewise; and if you've got them two things properly balanced in your
intellects, you can't go far wrong. And at that moment the feeling in my
mind was not to be on the make. No, I swear to you I only felt sorry for
the young chap as had done this terrible deed. I was troubled for him, and
considered very like the temptation was too great, that he'd just fallen
into it in a natural fit of rage at his disappointment, and that
presently, when he came to his senses, he'd bitterly mourn such a
hookem-snivey deed. For, of course, Champernownes were great folk, high
above any small or mean actions, and with the fame of the family always
set up afore them. Yes, I thought it all out, and saw his mind working,
and felt so sure as death that a time would come when he would regret the
act and feel he'd ruined his life. "He'll return here some day afore 'tis
too late, and seek to fetch up the paper," I thought. And with that I was
just going to fling the canister back in the pool when a better idea took
hold on me. I'd make it easier and quicker for the man, and even now,
while he was smarting and doubtless battling with his better nature, I'd
help him in secret to do the right thing. He'd think it was a miracle,
too, for, of course, I wasn't going to give myself away over the business.
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