I turned back to my bed with my hands over my eyes, as if I could tear away the horrid sight.

And if 'twas like an earthquake when Morva refused me, 'twas worse--oh, much worse--when I saw what I did.

My old father had always been so dear to me--so much I loved him, so highly I thought of him, although, I knew he was over fond of a drop sometimes; but caton pawb! I would have staked my life on his honour, and more upon his honesty.

I lay awake of course that night--yes, and many a night after, going over my troubles--worse than that, my shame; and through all my tossing and turning, one thought was clear before me, 'twould be better for me to bear the blame than for old Ebben Owens Garthowen to be known as a thief.

I thought I would be far away in foreign lands or on distant seas, and so I would not hear the whispering, nor see the pointing of the fingers.