“I’m afraid he’s a bad character. I have only discovered it lately, and intend to dismiss him as soon as I get a new assistant.”
“What dost mean by a bad character? Is he a thief?”
Trimble looked very grave.
“I wish it was no worse than that.”
The farmer’s jaw dropped.
“What?” said he. “Dost mean to tell me the man’s a murderer?”
Jonah looked terribly shocked.
“It’s a dreadful thing to suspect any one,” said he, “but it would not be right of me to let things go on without warning you. I shall keep your boys under my own eyes all school-time; and I advise you—”
“I don’t want thy advice. Take thyself off!”
Jonah saw that to prolong the interview would only make matters worse. The good father was evidently roused; but whether against him, Jonah, or against Jeffreys, he could scarcely tell. He departed decidedly crestfallen, and more than half repenting of his amiable expedition.