He had pleaded "not guilty" at the bar, because he was advised to do so, and it was a matter of course to do it; but he was guilty notwithstanding. As to why he did it, it was infatuation, he supposed. He had learned to like strong drink from his father's example, and had stolen to obtain the means of buying it.
This was Albert's story; and as Henry Ekworth heard it, he thought of the Eight Bells and their mournful voices, and this, not the least mournful of them all.
Again and again did Henry visit his unhappy former companion, and in kindly, affectionate tones did he strive to lead him to penitence and prayer; to rouse him to hope; and to gird him—not in his own strength—to strong resolutions for time to come.
Such are some of the voices of the Eight Bells; and many more were heard, of which no record has been kept on earth; but which, in other and more enduring records, will tell of shame, poverty sorrow, guilt, death, and after that the judgment.