A Terrible Alternative.
163
"But you don't know this lad, Mr. Sharp."
"Well, perhaps I don't know this particular young dog, but I know the whole tribe of them," said Mr. Sharp, trying to look wise, "and I tell you they are all rogues and vagabonds, from the oldest to the youngest of 'em. Bless you, it is bred in their very bones, and they couldn't be honest if they were to try ever so."
He went on to tell all the circumstances.
"But this boy has been with me six months, and a nicer lad I never knew."
"Ay, yes, Mr. Lawrence, their cunning is amazing; and they can play the hypocrite equal to old Satan himself. I
