Porson
said sharply:
"Now, dame, I want no nonsense; I am acquainted with the whole
affair, but wish to have it from your own lips. Unless you tell me
the whole truth not a cake will you sell my boys in future."
Thus pressed Mrs. Brown at once related the story of Mather having
borrowed some money of her; of her threats to report him unless he
paid, and of his having given her five shillings on the following
Saturday, saying that he would give her the rest in a few days, but
could pay no more then; and how, after repeated disappointments,
she had now given him till Saturday to settle the debt.
"If he didn't pay, sir, I meant to have come to ye and telled ye
all about it, for I hate lies, and Master Mather has lied to me
over and over again about it; but seeing that Saturday hasn't come
I don't like telling ye the story, as he may have meant to keep
his word to me this time."
"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.
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