Those dog bites are always nasty things." "I wish it had been worse," the squire said testily; "then he would have been laid up quietly at home, instead of being about mischief." "Why, what has he done, sir ?" the schoolmaster asked, in surprise.
The squire related the history of the dog's death, and of his interview with Reuben.

The schoolmaster looked serious, and grieved.
"What do you think of the matter, Shrewsbury ?" the squire asked, when he had finished.
"I would rather not give any opinion," the schoolmaster replied quietly.
"That means you think I am wrong," the squire said quickly.

"Well, say it out, man; you won't offend me.

I am half inclined to think I was wrong, myself; and I would as lief be told so, as not." "I don't say you are wrong, sir," the schoolmaster said, "except that I think you assumed the boy's guilt too much as a matter of course.

Now, I have seen a great deal of him.