“Be under no apprehension,” said Mr. Carroll, mildly. “I do not care to punish you more than you have already been punished. I prefer that you should lead a better life.”
“I will try to do so, sir; but I was poor, and that made the temptation stronger.”
“I can easily believe it. Are you wholly without means?”
“Nearly so.”
“Here, then, is a purse containing a hundred dollars. It will probably pay your expenses during your illness.”
The wounded man looked up in surprise.
“There ain't many that would pay a man for trying to rob them,” he said.
“I do not pay you for that,” said Mr. Carroll, “but because I do not wish you to be subjected to a similar temptation again.”
The wounded man, who, under different treatment would have been defiant and profane, seemed quite subdued by such unexpected kindness.
“Well, sir,” he said, “all I can say is, that I am very much obliged to you, and I hope you will be rewarded for your kindness.”