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why orders had been given to arrest Patrick Mc-Keever.
‘Because there has been a robbery committed in his neighborhood,’ replied the magistrate.
He inquired what proof there was that Patrick had been concerned in it.
‘None at all,’ rejoined the mayor.
‘But he is an old convict, and that is enough to condemn him.’
‘It is not enough, by any means,’ answered Friend Hopper.
‘Thou hast no right to arrest any citizen without a shadow of proof against him. In this case, I advise thee by all means to proceed with humane caution.
This man has severely atoned for the crime he did commit; and since he wishes to reform, his past history ought never to be mentioned against him. He has been perfectly honest, sober, and industrious, since he came out of prison.
I think I know his state of mind; and I am willing to take the responsibility of saying that he is guiltless in this matter.’
The mayor commended Friend Hopper's benevolence, but remained unconvinced.
To all arguments he replied, ‘He is an old convict, and that is enough.’
Patrick's kind friend watched for him as he passed to his daily labors, and told him that he would probably be arrested for the robbery that had been committed in his neighborhood.
The poor fellow bowed
Boston, J. P. Jewett and Company; Cleveland, Ohio: Jewett, Proctor and Worthington; London; Low and Company, 1854.
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