“But it was not an accident, that is the worst of it! You see, I met Jack and Ben; they were playing at pitch-farthing, and they called to me to join them.”
“But father has forbidden us to keep company with those idle boys.”
“I know it—but I disobeyed him—I was very wrong—and I am very miserable.”
“I hope that you did not join the game?”
“Not at first—I told them that I had given father my solemn promise never to gamble; but they jeered me, and laughed at me—and I played with them—and they got all my money from me—the half-crown that was not mine, with which I had been trusted. Oh, father will never forgive me!”
“Now, Charley, do you know what I advise you to do?” said George. “Go to father at once, confess your fault to him, let not one sin lead you to another.”
“Confess to him!—I dare not.”
“I will go with you, Charley; I will plead for you.”
“But father is so poor; he will be in debt, and he cannot bear that! He will be so angry. Oh, cannot I say that some one snatched the half-crown out of my hand?”