“This way”

Soon, Walter was before the cell where the man was locked. He looked at the man illuminated by the oil lamp and recognized the face. The man noticed his cell being opened and got up. He recognized the man that walked in. It was the young man he had met in the drinking corner. A chair was set for Walter and he sat without worrying about the Lady behind him. She pouted at his action, feeling wronged.

“A gentleman should always let the lady sit,” she muttered and he ignored her. He looked at the man before him calmly.

“Mr Barney, Do you recognize me?” he asked the dirty man.

“Yes,” Barney answered with a nod.

“A pity; it would have been best if you did not,” Walter sighed. Though his words said so, his voice betrayed him. Walter had already decided what to do with the man. Coming to this decision was easy. He just needed to remember the words Lady Wickshire first spoke to him.

“You have a wife and three children. Your wife has two brothers that are not much older than your children. I believe you have a lot on your shoulders,” Walter said and the man seemed to see a ray of light shine on his situation when he heard Walter speak of his plight.

“The people you talked about the other day, the Mclears; they are searching for you. Finding you is but a matter of time. The magistrate has taken care of sending away your family this afternoon. How do you intend to pay off this debt?” Walter asked.

“Anything Sir; anything,” Barney pleaded. Though the young man before him was not finely dressed, his outfit was clean and fresh. He spoke really well, meaning he was of a respectable family. If he knew the only reason why Walter still smelled fresh after working in the stables was that he only had to water the horses today, he would have fainted at his analysis.

Walter did not mind being mistaken for a gentleman. It only gave him more confidence in his actions.

“The men looking for you will kill your entire family, but we took them away. How are you sure we will not kill your family?” Walter asked and the man finally understood the words 'being taken up to the heavens only to be plunged into hell'. He started to fidget. He regretted it. He should not have gone out looking for buyers for those fake diamonds. Now, look where he is. His wife, oh his poor wife.

As though Walter could see this regret and agony in Barney's heart, he let him feel it a lot longer by remaining silent.

“You have seen my face, Barney. You know too much. They will kill you... I will kill you. But I’m merciful. You are the only loose end. Why would I need to hurt your family? This is all up to you of course. Take your time and weigh

your options. You could let me do it, or you could do it yourself and save your family. Take your time; we all want what is best,” Walter said, placing the rope before him and leaving.

If someone did not truly listen, he would have thought this was a conversation between a father advising his child. The righteousness in his voice was almost as clear as his footsteps walking away.