Through the Fray: A Tale of the Luddite RiotsHenty, G. A. (George Alfred)
General
Through the Fray: A Tale of the Luddite Riots
Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)
Luddites -- Juvenile fiction
“Here are the five shillings which he borrowed of you; as to the other
money, you will never get it, and I hope it will be a lesson to you; and
mind, if I find that you ever allow the boys to run an account with you
further than the following Saturday after it is incurred, you will never
come into my field or playground again.”
Mr. Porson then went to the chief constable's, and after a short
conversation with him a constable was told off to accompany him. He and
the master took their station at a short distance from the shop of the
man White and waited quietly. A little after nine a figure was seen
coming down the street from the other end. He passed quickly into the
shop.
“That is the boy,” Mr. Porson said.
“Wouldn't it be better, sir,” the constable asked, “to wait till the
deed is completed, then we can lay our hands on White as a receiver?”
“No,” Mr. Porson replied, “for in that case the boy would have to appear
with him in the dock, and that I wish of all things to avoid.”
So saying he walked quickly on and entered the shop.
Mather was leaning across the counter while the man was examining the
pencil case by the light of the candle.
“Five shillings,” the man said, “and no more. I was nearly getting into
trouble over that last job of yours.”
“But it's worth a great deal more than that,” Mather said. “You might
give me ten.”
“Well, take it back then,” the man said, pushing it across the counter.
“Thank you, I will take it myself,” Mr. Porson said quietly, as he
advanced and stretched out his hand.
Mather turned round with a sudden cry, and then stood the picture of
silent terror.
“As for you,” the master said indignantly to the dealer, “you scoundrel,
if you had your deserts I would hand you over to the constable, who is
outside the door, as a receiver of stolen goods, and for inciting this
boy to theft. I heard you offer him a sum of money for it which shows
that you knew it was stolen; but your time will come, sir, and you will
hang over the gate of York prison as many a poor wretch far less guilty
than yourself has done;” for in those days death was the punishment
of receivers of stolen goods, as well as of these convicted of highway
robbery and burglary.
“Have mercy, sir, oh, spare me!” Mather exclaimed, falling on his knees.
“Don't give me in charge.”
“I am not going to do so,” the master said. “Get up and come with me.”
Not a word was spoken on the way back to the school.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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