George Leatrim | Page 5

and I
generally give half my wages to the poor through that very box, being
more anxious to lay up for myself treasures in heaven than upon earth."
'"Yes, yes, I know all this, my good Ralph," cried the Doctor
impatiently; "your character is above suspicion. I want you to give me
some clue by which 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