A. T. Quiller-Couch

“ Indeed, he look'd pitiable, sitting there and stammering: but I harden'd my heart to say—
“I must have a confession, then, written before I leave the room.”
“But, dear young friend, you will not use it if I give up all? You will not seek my life? that already is worthless, as you see.”
“Why, 'tis what you deserve. But Delia shall say when I find her—as I shall go straight to seek her. If she be lost, I shall use it—never fear: if she be found, it shall be hers to say what mercy she can discover in her heart; but I promise you I shall advise none.” ”

“ Surely 'twas enough the pure unhappy maid should be dead—without such vile slander on her fame, and from you, that were known, sir, to have been at that inn, and on that night, with her murderers. Boy, I have evidence that, taken with your confession, would weave you a halter; and am a Justice of the Peace. Be thankful, then, that I am a merciful man ”

“ He took me into a great stone kitchen, and brought out the pasty and cider, but poured out half a glass only.
“Have a care, young man: 'tis a luscious, thick, seductive drink,” and he chuckled.
“'Twould turn the edge of a knife,” said I, tasting it and looking at him: but his one blear'd eye was inscrutable. The pasty also was mouldy, and I soon laid it down.
“Hast a proud stomach that cometh of faring sumptuously: the beef therein is our own killing,” said he. “Young sir, art a man of blood, I greatly fear, by thy long sword and handiness with the fire-arms.” ”