take the place of the other, and I have felt that I would rather
resign and beg for charity than see my son going from bad to worse,
a scandal to the parish, and a hindrance to all good work."

"It is a bad business, Bastow, and it seems to me that two or
three years in prison would be the best thing for him, as he will
not take up the only trade open to him. At any rate, it would
separate him from his evil associates, and give you peace while he
is behind the bars. Where does he get his money?"

"That I know not, Squire. He takes some from me--it used to be
done secretly, now it is done with threats, and, as I told you,
with violence--but that would not account for his always having
money. He must get it somewhere else, for when I have paid my bills,
as I always do the hour that I receive money, there is but little
over for him to take. He is often away all night, sometimes for
two or three days together, and I dare not think what he does with
himself; but certainly he gets money somehow, and I am afraid that
I cannot hope it is honestly obtained."

"I do not well see how it can be," the Squire agreed.

"If I had before known as much as you tell me now, I would have
taken some steps to have him watched, and to nip the matter before
it went too far. Do you think that he will take your notice, and
come no more to the house?"

Mr. Bastow shook his head.

"I fear that the only effect will be to make him worse, even when