I was asking him about a townsman of his own--one Tim Delany,--the very cut of himself, the best servant I ever had.
I never could make out what became of him.

Old Hobson of the 95th, gave him to me, saying, 'There he is for you, Maurice, and a bigger thief and a greater blackguard there's not in the 60th.' "'Strong words,' said I.
"'And true' said he; 'he'd steal your molar tooth while you were laughing at him.' "'Let me have him, and try my hand on him, anyway.

I've got no one just now.

Anything is better than nothing.' "Well I took Tim, and sending for him to my room I locked the door, and sitting down gravely before him explained in a few words that I was quite aware of his little propensities.
"'Now,' said I, 'if you like to behave well, I'll think you as honest as the chief-justice; but if I catch you stealing, if it be only the value of a brass snuff-box, I'll have you flogged before the regiment as sure as my name's Maurice.' "Oh, I wish you heard the volley of protestations that fell from him fast as hail.

He was a calumniated man the world conspired to wrong him; he was never a thief nor a rogue in his life.