"'It is a hard winter for the poor. Who has done this?'
"'The man who lives on the marsh.'
"'His crop was not large this year.'
"'No, it failed.'
"'He has a wife and children.'
"'True, Governor.'
"'He has always borne a good reputation.'
"'True, Governor, and that makes the case more difficult.'
"'Neighbor, don't speak of this thing to others, but send that man to me.'
"The man on the marsh came to the Governor's. His face was as white as snow. How he had suffered!