“And pray, why not?”
“Because he likes me too well.”
“Indeed,” said the doctor. “Nic, how can you let yourself be imposed upon so easily by a scoundrel?”
“He is not a scoundrel, father,” cried Nic, flushing up. “He was condemned for what he never did, and sent out here as a convict.”
“I’m afraid they are all innocent, eh, Sir John?” said the doctor.
“A very large percentage, by their own account,” replied the governor.
“But this man really is, father,” cried Nic.
“How do you know?”
“He told me all his history, father, and I am sure he is honest.”
“And takes advantage of my absence to break out and nearly kill one of my men. Then he escapes to the bush, and now steals my sheep.”