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steals a thing above the value of thirteenpence ha'penny the law saith he
shall HANG for it?"
The little King started, wide-eyed with consternation, but controlled
himself and held his peace; but not so the woman. She sprang to her
feet, shaking with fright, and cried out--
"Oh, good lack, what have I done! God-a-mercy, I would not hang the poor
thing for the whole world! Ah, save me from this, your worship--what
shall I do, what CAN I do?"
The justice maintained his judicial composure, and simply said--
"Doubtless it is allowable to revise the value, since it is not yet writ
upon the record."
"Then in God's name call the pig eightpence, and heaven bless the day
that freed my conscience of this awesome thing!"
Miles Hendon forgot all decorum in his delight; and surprised the King
and wounded his dignity, by throwing his arms around him and hugging
him.
The woman made her grateful adieux and started away with her pig; and
when the constable opened the door for her, he followed her out into the
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