George Leatrim | Page 6

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 what it could mean. His mother had been confined to her
chamber for some days with a serious attack of lung disease. The
doctor had just seen her, and pronounced her out of danger; he came to
bring the glad tidings to his father. The first thought that struck him
was, that anxiety about her had produced the dreadful agitation that his
father, with all his stoical philosophy, found it impossible to restrain,
and which was so painful for him to witness. He hurried to his side.
"Don't be alarmed, my dear father, mamma is better. She sent me to tell
you so, and that she wishes to see you for a few minutes."
'He met the stern severity of Dr. Leatrim's glance; it chilled him to the
heart He drew back, regarding him in wondering surprise.
'"What is the matter, my father? Something dreadful has happened. Are
you ill?"
'"Yes, sir, I am ill--sick at heart--sick of a malady that will bring my
grey hairs in sorrow to the grave. My wound is incurable, and the hand
of a wicked son has dealt the blow."
'"Father! what do you mean? I do not understand these terrible words;"
and the boy raised the calm, inquiring glance of his clear, candid eyes
to the father's clouded brow and rigid face. "In what manner can I have
offended you?"
'"Miserable boy, if you had only offended me, I could bear it and
forgive you; but you have committed a crime against God--a crime so
great, that the felon who will be hung next week at N---- for murder is
innocent in comparison."
'George gazed steadily into his father's face as he said slowly, and with

blanched and quivering lips, "What have I done?"
'"Robbed the poor! Stolen thirty pounds in gold from that box"
(pointing to the poor's box on the table before him); "and you dare to
ask me what you have done, and, knowing your guilt, to raise your
hardened eyes to mine!"
'The hot blood rushed in a crimson tide into the face of the accused; he
drew up his slight figure to its full height, and looked a man in the
strength of his indignation. "The guilty alone are cowards," he said,
softening the vehemence of his manner; "it is only truth that dare look
at justice without quailing. If I am guilty of the crime of which you
accuse me, father, I am no longer worthy to be your son. Who, then, is
my accuser? Who charges me with the guilt of a crime so base? Who
dares to tell me to my face that I did this foul wrong?"
'"One who saw you do it."
'"The man does not live who saw me do it. The spirit does not live who
read in my heart a thought so vile. The God to whom the secrets of all
hearts are open knows my innocence, knows that I am belied. O father!
dear, honoured father! do not look so sternly upon me. I have thought
at times that you could read my heart with that searching gaze. Oh, read
it now! It is bared for your inspection. I do not shrink from the
investigation. Do not pronounce me guilty until you have sifted the
matter thoroughly. Innocence is stronger than guilt. I never took the
money. I know nothing about it, so help me God!"
'Dr. Leatrim's heart was touched. His eyes were full of tears. He made a
motion to Ralph Wilson to speak.
'"Master George," said the old man, coming close up to the agitated
youth, and laying his hand upon his shoulder. The lad shuddered, and
shrank from his touch as if he had suddenly come in contact with a
viper. "How can you speak in that hardened manner to your father? Are
not you ashamed of what you have done? Will you add falsehood to
theft?"

'"Peace, old man! This is no business of yours. I appeal to my father,
not to you." Then, looking sternly in the old man's face, he added in a
bitter tone: "Perhaps you are the traitor who has poisoned his mind
against me. If so, speak out. I do not fear you. I defy your malice."
'"Bold words, Master George, and boldly spoken. But facts are hard
things to disprove." Then, going close up to the