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Rh a poor fellow that lies sick with a wound in his leg. I fear me poor Tom will never live to take his trial if he be moved from where he lies with the fever that is on him now."

"He shall be used with all gentleness, sir, I promise you. And sorry am I to have to intrude upon you and your kind charity in this manner. But you are aware, sir, that I must do my duty."

"Ay, sir, as we do ours," replied the parson, sturdily. "We ask not what a man has done when he comes to us for help. We ask but what we can do for him, be he friend or be he foe."

"I know it, sir. I have experienced your kindness—and Mistress Joan's."

The young lady now stood a little in the background, looking anxious and perturbed. She hardly glanced at him when he uttered her name.

"You will pardon me, sir, for being forced to incommode you thus."

"You must do your duty, sir," retorted Parson Langney, dryly.

"And you will admit us when we come with a warrant?"