"Well, of course that would have been different."
"I can see no difference," said Dr. Redmond sternly. "It was not an idiotic, but a brutal and inhuman act."
"Come, doctor, that's rather strong," protested Fogson uncomfortably.
"It is not too strong! I don't think there is a person in the village but would agree with me. Had the victim of the scalding been Jed, I would have reported the matter to the authorities. Now tell me why you attempted to horsewhip the boy?"
"Because he was impudent," replied Fogson evasively.
"And that was all?"
"He disobeyed me."
"Jed, let me hear your version of the story."
"Mr. Fogson knew that I had a dollar given me by Mrs. Redmond, and he called upon me to give it up to him. I wouldn't do it, and upon that he tried to horsewhip me."