I have
already shed too much, and my dreams begin to trouble me as I get
older," was the grave response of the landlord.
"And how, if he speaks out, and you have no chance either to stop his
mouth or to run for it?"
"Who'll believe him, think you?--where's the proof? Do you mean to
confess for both of us at the first question?"
"True--," said Rivers, "there would be a difficulty in conviction, but
his oath would put us into some trouble."
"I think not; our people know nothing about him, and would scarcely lend
much aid to have either of us turned upon our backs," replied Munro,
without hesitation.
"Well, be it then as you say. There is yet another subject, Munro, on
which I have just as little reason to be satisfied as this. How long
will you permit this girl to trifle with us both? Why should you care
for her prayers and pleadings--her tears and entreaties? If you are
determined upon the matter, as I have your pledge, these are childish
and unavailing; and the delay can have no good end, unless it be that
you do in fact look, as I have said, and as I sometimes think, for some
chance to take me off, and relieve you of my importunities and from your
pledges.
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