The idea was not expressed, but existed in him.

Everybody, he would have said, ought to have a fair chance, and as the law of nations forbids the use of explosive bullets in warfare, the laws of humanity seemed to forbid the use of bloodhounds in the pursuit of criminals.

He had a very great respect for the squire's character and principles, but the cold-blooded way in which Mr.Juxon had spoken of catching and probably killing Walter Goddard, had shaken the good vicar's belief in his friend.

He doubted whether he were not now bound to return to Mrs.Goddard and to warn her in his turn of her husband's danger, whether he ought not to do something to save the wretched convict from his fate.

It seemed hideous to think that in peaceful Billingsfield, in his own lonely parish, a human being should be exposed to such peril.