The Game-keeper was now relieved from his Anxiety, and Mr. Allworthy himſelf began to be concerned at Tom’s Sufferings: For, beſides that Mr. Thwackum, being highly enraged that he was not able to make the Boy ſay what he himſelf pleaſed, had carried his Severity much beyond the good Man’s Intention, this latter began now to ſuſpect that the Squire had been miſtaken; which his extreme Eagerneſs and Anger ſeemed to make probable; and as for what the Servants had ſaid in Confirmation of their Maſter’s Account, he laid no great Streſs upon that. Now, as Cruelty and Injuſtice were two Ideas, of which Mr. Allworthy could by no Means ſupport the Conſciouſneſs a ſingle Moment, he ſent for Tom, and after many kind and friendly Exhortations, ſaid, ‘I am convinced, my dear Child, that my Suſpicions have wronged you; I am ſorry that you have been ſo ſeverely puniſhed on this Account.’—And at laſt gave him a little Horſe to make him amends; again repeating his Sorrow for what had paſt.
Tom’s Guilt now flew in his Face more than any Severity could make it. He could more eaſily bear the Laſhes of Thwackum,than
