“No I dinna,” said the boy with great earnestness, “as sure’s death, that’s a’ I get, and d’ye no think it plenty?”
“I do not,” said the Duke; “there must be some mistake, and as I am acquainted with the Duke, if you’ll return with me, I’ll get you some more money.”
The boy consented, and back they went. The Duke rang the bell, and ordered all the servants to be assembled.
“Now,” said the Duke to the boy, “point out to me the person that gave you the shilling.”
“It was the chap there, wi’ the white apron,” said the boy, pointing to the butler.
“You villain,” said the Duke.
The butler fell upon his knees, and confessed the wicked act.
“Give the boy the sovereign, and immediately leave my house,” said the Duke.
The butler implored.
“No,” said the Duke, “you are no longer to be trusted. You have been detected in an act of villany, which renders you unfit to serve me. You have lost your shilling, your situation, and your character. Go, and henceforth learn that ‘honesty is the best policy.’”