“‘You don’t believe I did it, Joseph?’ said Joe.
“‘I know you did not. I know you could not!’ answered Joseph, pressing the hands he held.
“‘And, oh! Lil!’ cried Joe.
“‘Lil does not doubt you; but she is too ill to come to the prison. She is with me in the town here.’
“‘Not—not—dangerously ill?’
“‘Oh, no. Only prostrated; but confident in your innocence, Joe.’
“‘God bless her! God bless you! You have forgiven us, Joseph?’
“‘I forgave you from the first; I only intended to teach you a lesson by holding off for a bit. I wish I had not done it now. Perhaps if I had not, this would not have happened; but, Joe, it will all come right. I will take care of Lil until you are out again, and I will spend my last shilling in securing the best counsel I can get to defend you and to clear you, Joe, old fellow!’
“‘Oh, Joseph! I don’t deserve it from you! Not from you!’
“‘You are my cousin and my brother!’ said honest Joseph.