Page:Paul Clifford Vol 3.djvu/259

Rh be a sin to keep it, now that to break it can do him no harm, and may do him good! especially as, in case of imprisonment or death, the oath is not held to be binding; yet I fear it is too late for the reward. The father will scarcely thank you for finding his son!—Know, Dummie, that Paul is in gaol, and that he is one and the same person as Captain Lovett!"

Astonishment never wrote in more legible characters than she now displayed on the rough features of Dummie Dunnaker. So strong are the sympathies of a profession compared with all others, that Dummie's first, confused thought was that of pride. "The great Captain Lovett!" he faltered. "Little Paul at the top of the profession! Lord, lord!—I always said as how he'd the hambition to rise!"

"Well, well, but the father's name?"

At this question, the expression of Dummie's face fell,—a sudden horror struggled to his eyes—