This last observation was made to a warder who had charge of him.
“I don’t know that it is, considering all things,” returned the warder.
“Oh, no; you chaps never do think a cove gets more than he deserves.”
“Well, you see, there were previous convictions against you—that’s why you’ve got it so hot.”
“I was driven to it. Business was bad, and I was without a mag.”
“That’s no reason for laying your hands upon other people’s property,” suggested the warder; “but I don’t want to pain you by my reproaches. I am sorry for your misfortune—sorry for your wife and child’s sake.”
“Thank you, sir; you are very good, I’m sure,” observed Mrs. Peace, wiping the fast-falling tears from her swollen eyelids.
“It is not the man only who suffers—it is his family,” said the warder. “They are to be pitied the most.”
“What’s the use of pity?” cried Peace. “Did you ever know it do any good? It aint worth a rap—pity indeed. No one will help her or me—not that I know of.”
“I hope there is some one. Have you any friends?” This last observation was addressed to the woman.