human
This morning I knew for certain as the dog had been poisoned, for just outside of the reach of his chain there was that piece of paper a-lying, as you have got before you.
gpt
Rat poison.
human
You hear that, Reuben? What have you to say?
gpt
I have got nothing to say, sir, Reuben answered,
human
What o'clock was it, Robert, that you saw the boy?
gpt
It was just a quarter past eight, squire. The quarter struck just as I opened the gate.
human
Were you out or at home at that hour, Reuben?
gpt
I was out, sir. I went to the schoolmaster's.
human
What time did you leave there?
gpt
I left at eight, sir.
human
Then if you got in just after eight, it is clear that you were not the boy, the squire said.
gpt
If your mother tells me that you were in at five minutes past eight, that settles the question, as far as you are concerned.
human
I didn't get in till half-past eight, sir, Reuben said.
gpt
I walked about for a bit, after I came out from school, to try and get the stiffness out of my leg, so as to be able to come to work this morning.
human
Was anyone with you, Reuben? Is there anyone to say what you did with yourself, between eight and half-past eight?
gpt
No, sir, Reuben said quietly.
human
I didn't speak to a soul; and didn't see a soul, so far as I know, from the time I came out of the gate of the schoolhouse till I got home.
gpt
Does your mother sell packets of this poison?
human
Yes, sir; I believe she does.
gpt
Well, my lad, the squire said,
human
I don't care how bad it looks, Reuben said, passionately.
gpt
It wasn't me, squire, if that were the last word I ever had to speak.
human
Very well, the squire said coldly.
gpt
In my mind, the evidence is overwhelming against you. I have no intention of pursuing the matter further; nor will I, for your father's and mother's sake, bring public disgrace upon you; but of course I shall not retain you here further, nor have anything to do with you, in the future.