"It will be in the hands of the police to-morrow!" sobbed the poor mother as her head bent still lower.
"Well, I believe there will be a piece of work for them here," said Jonathan, pointing to the basket, "if ever they were wanted; but I hope, for your sake, master will not expose it publicly. Come, Robin, we are wasting precious moments."
But the boy still lingered, though his old friend had moved to the door.
"Mother, forgive me!" he cried, melted into the deepest contrition, and quite overcome at sight of her hopeless stricken expression. His arms were round her neck now. "I never never will do such a thing again! Do believe me!"
"Robin," she said slowly, and raising her tear-filled eyes to his, "you have sinned deeply against God, and brought a stain on our good name which can never, I fear, be wiped out. Your master could not keep anyone in his service who had acted as you have."
"Do not add to the lad's distress," said kind old Jonathan, returning to lay his hand upon her arm. "Rather encourage him to face his duty like a man. Master is a Christian gentleman, who will do the right, whatever that may be. Pray for Robin; and may God send you an answer of mercy and peace! But take heart to believe your prayer will be answered, or it will not be the prayer of faith. I will do my best to speak up for the lad, you may be sure."
So saying, he went slowly out.
The boy gave one more look at his mother, and followed Jonathan with a sinking heart.
The two walked on together for some time in silence, Robin feeling as though he were being led to execution, while Jonathan lifted up his heart at every step to entreat the Father of the fatherless to look down in pity, and avert the shadow of evil now resting upon those in whom he took so deep an interest.