“You are a brave lad.”
“I only did my duty,” said Herbert, modestly.
“Help! help!” groaned the wretch below.
Herbert heard the cry of pain, and his heart was filled with pity. The man was, indeed, a villain. He had only been served right, as the landlord said. Still, he was a fellow-creature, and he was in pain. Herbert could not regret that he had shot him; but he did regret the necessity, and he felt sympathy for him in his suffering.
“Poor fellow!” he said, compassionately; “I am afraid he is a good deal hurt.”
“Poor fellow!” echoed the landlord. “It serves him right.”
“Still, he is in pain, and he ought to be cared for.”
“He has no claim upon us. He may be there till morning.”
“No,” said Mr. Carroll. “Herbert is right. He is guilty, but he is in pain, and it is the part of humanity to succor him. Landlord, if you will have him brought in, and send for the doctor, you may look to me for your pay.”
“Yet, he was going to rob you, sir,” said the landlord, considerably surprised.