But after that he did not loiter a minute, and spent the rest of the
morning in diligent attention to his duties, until, a little before
mid-day, he saw the farmer who employed him riding across the
sheep-walk; and when he ran forward to receive his orders, he bade him
make haste and go home to prepare himself for appearing before the
magistrate, to give his evidence against Black Thompson and his
comrades.
When Stephen reached the cinder-hill cabin he found Tim there again, and
Bess Thompson waiting to see him. Poor Bess had been crying bitterly,
for by this time it was known that her father and Davies were in jail;
though the others, being young and single men, had fled at once from the
place, and escaped for the present. As soon as Stephen entered, Bess
threw herself on her knees at his feet, and looked up imploringly into
his face.
'Oh, dear, good Stephen,' she cried, 'thee canst save father! I'll kneel
here till thee has promised to save him. Oh, don't bear any spite agen
him, but forgive him and save him!'
'Get up, Bess,' said Stephen kindly; 'don't thee kneel down to a fellow
like me.
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