I wash my hands of him at the start. I cannot father his tales nor will I be responsible for them. I make these preliminary reservations observe as a guard upon my own integrity. I possess a certain definite position in a small way also a wife; and for the good name of the community that
honours my existence with its approval and for the sake of her posterity and mine I cannot take the chances I once did nor foster probabilities with the careless improvidence of youth. So I repeat I wash my hands of him this Nimrod this mighty hunter this homely blue-eyed freckle-faced Thomas Stevens. Having been honest to myself and to whatever prospective olive branches my wife may be pleased to tender me I can now afford to be generous. I shall not criticize the tales told me by Thomas Stevens and further I shall withhold my judgment. If it be asked why I can only add that judgment I have none. Long have I pondered weighed and balanced but never have my conclusions been twice the same--forsooth! because Thomas Stevens is a greater man than I. If he have told truths well and good; if untruths still well and good. For who can prove? or who disprove? I eliminate myself from the proposition while those of little faith may do as I have done- -go find the same Thomas Stevens and discuss to his face the various matters which if fortune serve I shall relat