"Not as I knows on, Muster Fenwick."
It was manifest enough that the old man had not spoken to his son on the subject of the murder, and that there was no confidence,—at least, no confidence that had been expressed,—between the father and the son. No one had as yet heard the miller utter any opinion as to Sam's innocence or his guilt. This of itself seemed to the clergyman to be a very terrible condition for two persons who were so closely united, and who were to live together, work together, eat together, and have mutual interests.
"I hope, Mr. Brattle," he said, "that you give Sam the full benefit of his discharge."
"He'll get his vittles and his bed, and a trifle of wages if he works for 'em."
"I didn't mean that. I'm quite sure you wouldn't see him want a comfortable home, as long as you have one to give him."
"There ain't much comfort about it now."
"I was speaking of your own opinion of the deed that was done. My own opinion is that Sam had nothing to do with it."
"I'm sure I can't say, Muster Fenwick."
"But it would be a comfort to you to think that he is innocent."
"I ain't no comfort in talking about it,—not at all,—and I'd rayther not, if it's all one to you, Muster Fenwick."