"Had you chosen the Tales, you should not have had either book or light," said the Black.
Wilton now gave the prisoner a plate containing bread and cold meat, and a bottle of water, while Cæsar lighted his lamp; and the door was then again closed upon him.
"That man is already a true penitent," whispered the Blackamoor to Wilton. "Let us now visit his late companion in iniquity."
The party proceeded to the next cell, in which Joshua Pedler was confined, the two armed dependants stationing themselves in such a manner as to be visible to the inmate of the dungeon when the door was opened.
"Thank God! you are come again," he cried, starting up from his bed the moment the light flashed in upon him. "But why do you come with swords and pistols in that fashion?" he demanded, savagely.
"In case you should offer any resistance," answered the Blackamoor. "I do not choose to put chains upon you; and therefore I am compelled to adopt every necessary precaution when I visit you in this manner."
"I really would not harm you, sir—I would not for the world," said Pedler, in a milder tone. "You are not cruel—though severe; and I feel very grateful to you for not giving me up to justice. I hope you are not offended with me for speaking as I did: I try to be patient—I endeavour to be mild and all that——"
"What is it, then, that irritates your temper?" enquired the Blackamoor.
"My own thoughts, sir," answered Josh Pedler, bitterly. "Just before I heard the key grating in the lock, I was a thinking what a fool I have been for so many years, and how happy I might be, perhaps, if I was a labouring-man."
"You are sorry that you have been wicked?" observed the Black, interrogatively.