Both saw the new arrival, who tried to pass them without being recognized.

But the deacon was too quick for him; planting himself in the middle of the sidewalk, which was as narrow as the deacon was broad, he stopped the wayfarer and said,-- "Samuel, I hope you're not going back to your old ways again,--fighting, drinking, loafing, and stealing ?" "No, deacon, I ain't.

I'm a changed man." "That's what they all say, Samuel," the deacon replied, not unkindly, "but saying isn't doing.

Human nature's pretty weak when it don't lean on a stronger one." "That's how I'm leanin', deacon." "I'm glad to hear it, Samuel," said the deacon, offering his hand, though in a rather conservative manner.
"Sam," said the judge, "I sentenced you, but I don't want you to think hard of me and take it out of my orchard and chicken-coop.

It wasn't your first offence, you know." "Nor the tenth, judge.