And there would be the bystanders gazing earnestly at Mr.
Johnson and whispering, "Is he dead?
Is he dead ?" And Sam shuddered as he repeated to himself, "Is he dead ?" "O, I have been a cruel son!" thought he, within his own heart.

"God forgive me! God forgive me!" But God could not yet forgive him; for he was not truly penitent.

Had he been so, he would have hastened away that very moment to Uttoxeter, and have fallen at his father's feet, even in the midst of the crowded market-place.

There he would have confessed his fault, and besought Mr.
Johnson to go home and leave the rest of the day's work to him.

But such was Sam's pride and natural stubbornness that he could not bring himself to this humiliation.