"Well, I have; I was hungry that morning; very hungry. I know this doesn't excuse the thing—to you. But perhaps it may help to explain it."
"I think I can understand—a little. But surely——"
He stopped her with a quick little gesture.
"I know what you are going to say: that I should have been willing to work, or even to beg, rather than steal. I was willing to work; I was not willing to beg. I know it is all wrong from your point of view; but I should be sorry to have you think that I did what I believed to be wrong."
"Surely you must know it is wrong?"
"Pardon me, but I can't admit that. If I could, you would be relieved of what is doubtless a very painful duty. I should surrender myself at once."
"But think of it; if you are right, every one else must be wrong!"
"No; not quite every one. But that is a very large question, and we needn't go into it. I confess that my method was unconventional; a little more summary than that of the usurers and the strictly legal robbers, but quite as defensible. For they rob the poor and the helpless, while I merely dispossessed one rich corporation of a portion of its exactions from the many."
"Then you are not sorry? I saw you yesterday afternoon and hoped you were."
He laughed unpleasantly. "I was sorry, then, and I am now; for the same reason. I have lost the money."