“Well, then, remember you are trusted, and don’t get Will Edibean to help you keep it.”
“But, husband, ought you not to tell neighbor Wood?”
“No; if the man means to run off, he’ll run. He can’t watch him all the time.”
“But he could lock him up nights.”
“He would break out, or set the house on fire.”
“But, perhaps if he knew, he would treat him better. You think he don’t treat him very kindly?”
“That wouldn’t keep him. He wants money every Saturday night to get liquor with. I am not going to be mixed up with it, nor have James mixed up with it. I’ll warrant you’ll not hear a lisp from him.”
The next morning, about ten o’clock, Mr. Wood came in, much excited, saying,—
“Good morning, Jonathan. I’ve found out what’s in my redemptioner. He’s run off, and stolen one of my horses, and the other horse is lame, and I want one of yours to go after him. I’m glad now I didn’t lay out any more on him.”
“You are welcome to the horse, and I’ll go with you, if you wish; but, he’s not worth his board. If I could get the horse, I would let the man go about his business.”