Then he sat down beside him, and after finding out that he was not seriously hurt, succeeded in drawing him into a conversation which grew more and more remarkable as it went on.

As he thought back upon it afterward, Philip was unable to account exactly for the way in which the confidence between him and his assailant had been brought about.

The incident and all that flowed out of it had such a bearing on the crucifixion that it belongs to the whole story.
"Then you say," went on Philip after they had been talking brief in question and answer for a few minutes, "you say that you meant to rob me, taking me for another man ?" "Yes, I thought you was the mill-man--what is his name ?--Winter." "Why did you want to rob him ?" The man looked up and said hoarsely, almost savagely, "Because he has money and I was hungry." "How long have you been hungry ?" "I have not had anything to eat for almost three days." "There is food to be had at the Poor Commissioners.

Did you know that fact ?" The man did not answer, and Philip asked him again.

The reply came in a tone of bitter emphasis that made the minister start: "Yes, I knew it! I would strave[sic] before I would go to the Poor Commissioners for food." "Or steal ?" asked Philip, gently.
"Yes, or steal.