But since then I have thought it best to avoid the governor's garden; and it has cost me more pain than you would imagine--the contriving always to pass at a distance, so as to get only a nod and smile, which cannot harm her, from little Lucy. About this time--it might be two or three days after, for out of work-hours I little noticed how time passed--an unpleasant circumstance occurred with Lucy's father. I must have told you of him; for he is a remarkable man--young still, and well-looking; with manners like his features, hard as iron, though delicate and polished as steel. He seems born to be the ruler of criminals. Brutality, meanness, or injustice would be impossible to him. Likewise, another thing--mercy. It was on this point that he and I had our difference. We met in the east ward, when he pointed out to me, in passing, the announcement on the centre slate of "a boy to be whipped." It seems ridiculous, but the words sickened me. For I knew the boy, knew also his offence; and that such a punishment would be the first step towards converting a mere headstrong lad, sent here for a street row, into, a hardened ruffian. I pleaded for him strongly. The governor listened--polite, but inflexible. I went on speaking with unusual warmth; you know my horror of these floggings; you know, too, my opinion on the system of punishment, viewed as mere punishment, with no ulterior aim at reformation. I believe it is only our blinded human interpretation of things spiritual, which transforms the immutable law that evil is its own avenger and that the wrath of God against sin must be as everlasting as His pity for sinners--into the doctrine of eternal torment, the worm that dieth not, and the fire that is never quenched. The governor heard all I had to say; then, politely always, regretted that it was impossible either to grant my request, or release me from my duty. "There is, however, one course which I may suggest to Doctor Urquhart, considering his very peculiar opinions, and his known sympathy with criminals. Do you not think, it might be more agreeable to you to resign?" The words were nothing; but as he fixed on me that keen eye, which, he boasts can, without need of judge or jury detect a man's guilt or innocence, I felt convinced that with him too my good name was gone. It was no longer a battle with mere side-winds of slander--the storm had begun. I might have sunk like a coward, if there were only myself to be crushed under it. As it was, I looked the governor in the face. "Have you any special motive for this suggestion?" "I have stated it." "Then allow me to state, that whatever my opinions may be, so long as my services are useful here, I have not the slightest wish or intention of resigning." He bowed, and we parted.