"I loathe the whole business, but when I saw my wife and child suffering almost from want of the very necessaries of life, and the temptation came in the shape of presents from that man, I could not resist--I was too weak.

I listened to his insidious persuasion, and tried to make myself believe that I was guiltless, as I owned no fealty to King George.

But I am justly punished, and never again will I allow myself to be made an accessory to these lawless deeds." "But tell me," she whispered, "have they any of their goods secreted there now ?" "I do not know." "You do not know ?" "No.

The only way in which I could allow myself to act was to keep myself in complete ignorance of the going and coming of these people.

I might suspect, but I would never satisfy myself by watching; and I can say now honestly, I do not know whether they have still goods lying there or have taken them away." "But Celia--keep it from her." "Of course." "And about the missing boy.