To own the truth, I expected some well-digested lie; but he merely said that he had promised secrecy on that subject, and must therefore be excused from giving me any information.

I asked him if he knew that his master, or accomplice, or whatever was his relation to him, absconded in my debt?
He answered that he knew it well; but still pleaded a promise of inviolable secrecy as to his hiding-place.

This conduct justly exasperated me, and I treated him with the severity which he deserved.

I am half ashamed to confess the excesses of my passion; I even went so far as to strike him.

He bore my insults with the utmost patience.