At that time domestic animals were allowed to run about much more freely than at present, and they often strayed along the highway.

Sylvester was always in poor circumstances; and I believe that Wilbur's hog came along the road by night and that Rufus was tempted to make way with it privately and to conceal all traces of the theft.
"In spite of the words on the head of the barrel, Mr.Wilbur was in some doubt what to do with the pork and asked my advice.

I told him that if I were in his place I should keep it and say nothing.

But I didn't tell him of my talk with Sylvester about the unpardonable sin," the old gentleman added, smiling.

"That was hardly a proper subject for gossip.".