“Have you ever robbed anyone before?”
“No, I haven't. I'm a rough customer, and have done plenty of mean things, but this is the first job of the kind I ever attempted. I wouldn't have done it, only I heard the old man say in the cars, that he had a lot of money with him. I was hard up, and on my way to Cedarville, to try to get work, but when I heard what he said, the devil tempted me, I believe, and I determined to keep you both in sight, and get out where you did. I've tried and failed, and that's the end of it. It's my first attempt at burglary.”
“I hope it will be the last.”
“You may bet your life on that!”
“Then,” said Herbert, quietly, “I will intercede with Mr. Carroll for you, and ask him not to have you arrested.”
“Will you do that?” asked the wounded man, eagerly.
“I promise it.”
“If you will, boy, I will bless you, and if God would listen to such a scamp as I am, I'd pray for you.”
“He will listen to you,” said Herbert. “Try to lead a better life, and He will help you.”
“I wish I'd met with such as you before,” said the burglar. “I'd have been a better man than I am.”