OCR Text |
Show 134 drew Benny closer. "I want you to remember what I'm going to tell you now, so that ever and anon you'll know 'ow to judge all th:i.ngs--whether they be good or evil." "I don't want thee to go back to the prison," Benny sensed that what his father would say might convince him otherwise. Lathrop suddenly drooped, his own emotions spent. He could endure the most ignominious humiliation, but the realization of his family's poor condition was still a fresh wound. How could he possibly arrest their suffering with mere words? Thomas spoke in words simple and direct, "Benny, do you want father to do what's right?" His voice was tender. "Yes," nodded Benny. "Then you must listen to father-he is telling you how you can know right from wrong, good from evil." Benny looked defiant for just a moment, then mellowed, ready to listen. "Let me give you some examples, and you tell me whether we are talking about good or evil." Lathrop recalled that Benny liked to answer questions more than he liked just listening to explanations. "Do you know what drunkenness is. Benny?" began Lathrop. "Aye, it's drinkin too much ale and fallin down." answered Benny. |