He saw the shortsightedness of falsehood; but
what could he do now?
While he listened, she ended her grateful prayers.
"And Mary? Thou'st found her at Mrs. Jones's, Job?" said she,
continuing her inquiries.
He gave a great sigh.
"Yes, she was there, safe enough, second time of going. God forgive
me!" muttered he, "who'd ha' thought of my turning out such an
arrant liar in my old days."
"Bless the wench! Is she here? Why does she not come to bed? I'm
sure she's need."
Job coughed away his remains of conscience, and made answer--
"She was a bit weary, and o'erdone with her sail! and Mrs. Jones
axed her to stay there all night. It was nigh at hand to the
courts, where she will have to be in the morning."
"It comes easy enough after a while," groaned out Job. "The father
of lies helps one, I suppose, for now my speech comes as natural as
truth. She's done questioning now, that's one good thing. I'll be
off, before Satan and she are at me again."
He went to the house-place, where the landlady stood wearily
waiting.
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