Be it so ... there ... there ... be it so.
But before I take another step, assure me that if I enter the door, neither you nor yours will be put in jeopardy.
In jeopardy!
Am I pursued by the law? ... am I, of a truth?
Not pursued by the law, George: I did not say you were; I do not know that you will be ... but indeed, indeed, my poor unhappy friend, here is my roof, and here am I, ready to share the peril with you, whatever it may be, and whatever the judges and elders and the people may say.
You are.
Yes.
I am satisfied. You have done your duty.... I shall now do mine. You are a true brother; let me prove that I know how to value such truth. I am not pursued by the law, so far as I know or have reason to believe, and if I was ... I should not come hither you may be assured for safety ... nay, nay, I do not mean a reproach.... I have absolute faith in your word now; I do believe that you would suffer with me and for me ... but you shall not. If I were hunted for my life, why should I fly to you?... You could be of no use to me ... you could neither conceal me nor save me ... and I might bring trouble upon you and yours forever. What would become of you, were I to be tracked by the blood-hounds up to your very door?
I pray you, said the aged man, I do pray you ... looking about on every side, shadowing the light with his meagre hand, the whole inward structure whereof was thereby revealed, and speaking in a low subdued whisper—as if he knew that they were overheard by invisible creatures.... I pray you brother ... dear brother ... let us have done with such talk—
Why so ... what are you afraid of?