“‘And is it done, father?’ said Sue.
“‘It is done, my child.’
“‘And what have you done with that man?’
“‘We have declared him upon our judgment, Not Guilty.’
“‘O I’m so glad!’ said Sue.
“They came back to their tea, all three; and more black fish was broiled; and all the Christmas was told over; and well-nigh all the trial. The jury had been kept in all Christmas-day to agree upon their verdict.
“From that day the cobbler’s affairs improved. Whether his friends exerted themselves to better his condition, now that they knew it; or whether Mr. Ruffin’s friends did; or whether neither did, but other causes came into work, certain it is that from that time the cobbler’s hands had something to do; and more and more till they had plenty. So it came to pass that this poor pair of shoes didn’t get finished till about a month ago; and then Mr. Krinken must take it into his head that we would fit his little boy, and bought us;—for which we owe him a grudge, as we wanted decidedly to spend our lives with Mr. Peg and his little brown-headed daughter.”
“Did Mrs. Peg get well?” said Carl.
“Yes, long ago, and came down-stairs; but she was no improvement to her family, though her getting well was.”
“I am very sorry that story is done,” said Carl. “I want to hear some more about Roswald Halifax.”