Oh, Thompson thee and the men were so kind to me when I couldn't work, and I've never seen thee to thank thee.

I can do nothing for thee, except I could persuade thee to repent, and be as happy as I am.' 'Oh, I'll repent some day,' said Black Thompson, loosing Stephen's arm; 'but I've lots of things to do aforehand, and I reckon they can all be repented of together.

So, lad, it's true what everybody is saying of thee--thee has forgotten poor little Nan, and thy promise to thy father!' 'No, I've never forgotten,' replied Stephen, 'but I'll never try to revenge myself now.

I couldn't if I did try.

Besides, I've forgiven the master; so don't speak to me again about it, Thompson.' 'Well, lad, be sure I'll never waste my time thinking of thee again,' said Black Thompson, with an oath; 'thy religion has made a poor, spiritless, cowardly chap of thee, and I've done with thee altogether.' Black Thompson strode away into the darkness, and was quickly out of hearing, while Stephen stood still and listened to his rapid footsteps, turning over in his mind what mischief he wished to tempt him to now.
The open shaft was only a few feet from him; but it had been safely encircled by a high iron railing, instead of being bricked over, as it had been found of use in the proper ventilation of the pit.