“A spy!" said the stranger; “what made you think me a spy?—and what should I be a spy for?”
“I did not mean to affront you, sir; but the question you asked concerning one for whose apprehension a hundred pounds is offered, made me think of it. Pray pardon me, sir.”
“I am sorry that he has done anything to occasion such an offer from the Government. Has he murdered any one?”
“No, sir; but Will is a wild young man, and he attempted to kill young Barry of Levington, and wounded him so severely, that a reward was offered for his apprehension.”
“Has Barry recovered?”
“Yes, sir; and he is gone out of the country to Canada, or some more distant land.”
“Then never mind if Laud be caught. Government will never pay a hundred pounds for his conviction when the principal evidence cannot be obtained. Never mind! never mind!—that will soon be forgotten.”
Such words of consolation had never been uttered in Peggy’s ear before. She began to feel very differently toward the stranger, as the tone of his voice, and his manner, together with his words, became so soothing.
“Thank you, sir, for your good wishes; you make my heart joyful in the midst of my mourning.”