George Leatrim | Page 5

the real culprit could be brought to justice."
'The old man cast a hasty glance at his master, as if he could do so if he pleased, but remained silent.
'The look did not escape Doctor Leatrim's keen eye. "Speak, Ralph! Speak out like a man. I feel certain that you know something about it."
'"And suppose I do,"--he came a step nearer to his master, and spoke in low, mysterious tones,--"that something had better remain unsaid. You are a rich man; twenty or thirty pounds are nothing to you. You gave twice that sum last week to get Hall out of jail; replace the money, and depend upon my word that the felony will never be repeated."
'"And let the culprit escape without the punishment due to his crime-- and such a crime! Would that be just, old man?"
'"It would be merciful," returned Ralph, drily. "A knowledge of the truth would do no good; it would only make your reverence unhappy."
'"I must not consult my own feelings on the subject," said the Rector, greatly excited. "No; though the felon were my son, who is dearer to me than my own life, and I could effectually conceal his guilt, he should pay the penalty due to his crime."
'The old man shuddered and drew back a few paces. "Your reverence has made a pretty shrewd guess. It was Master George!"
'"George? my George?" The Doctor sank into his study chair. He grasped at the arms convulsively. His broad chest heaved and panted, his breath came in hoarse gasps. He was too much stunned to speak. Ralph poured out a glass of water, and held it to his white and rigid lips.
'"'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.' The Lord help and comfort you, my dear master, under this heavy affliction. We are all liable to temptation. Try and forgive your son."
'"My son! Never call him my son again. I disown him--cast him off for ever. George, George, this will kill me! I loved and trusted you so much--would have given my life to save yours any day--and you have disgraced my name and calling, and broken my heart.--But are you sure, old man?" he cried, clutching Ralph by the shoulder; "sure that my George did this horrible thing?"
'"For God's sake, sir, moderate your anger. Master George is very young; he may never do the like again."
'"That is no answer to my question," cried the wretched father, tightening his grasp upon the old man's arm. "I do not ask you to palliate his guilt. It admits of no excuse. Did you see him do it? Tell me that--tell me quickly. I am in no humour for trifling."
'"Ay, seeing is believing," said the old man, sullenly. "As your reverence knows the worst, it is of no use hiding the details. I saw Master George take the money."
'The Doctor groaned in anguish of spirit.
'"How--when--where did you see him do it? May you not have been mistaken?"
'"Impossible, sir. I would not advance a thing of this nature without I had positive proof. I repeat to you again, on my word of honour, on the faith of a Christian, that I saw him do it. What more do you require?"
'"It is enough," sighed the miserable father, covering his face with his hands. "George, George! my son, my only son; have I deserved this at your hands? The trial is too great for flesh and blood to bear. O my God! my just and righteous God! Thou hast shattered my idol of clay to pieces, and my heart lies broken and trampled in the dust. Ralph, tell the wretched boy to come to me directly."
'The old man hesitated. "Not while you are in this excited state, my dear master. Wait a while, until your passion calms down; it is apt to betray you into sin. I implore you to deal leniently with the lad. Remember it is his first offence. He may repent, and you may save your son."
'"Yes; if I could believe that it was his first offence. The same thing happened at Christmas. He has become hardened in successful villany. The crime is not against me alone; it is against the Church, and must be punished accordingly. Don't raise your hands in that deprecating manner, Ralph, or attempt to plead for him," and he stamped his foot impatiently; "I must and will be obeyed. Why do you loiter, old man? Go for him directly."
'Just then a rap came to the door.
'Ralph opened it, for he knew the step, and the accused stood before them, smiling and serene, unconscious of the thunder-clouds that lowered above his head. He advanced a few paces into the room, then stood still. His eyes wandered from his father's death-pale face to the downcast countenance of the old serving-man. Surprised and distressed, he wondered