He saw old Stephen Strong close his book , place his spectacles on it , and kneel down by his chair . The old man remained on his knees for some time and then , taking up his candle , left the kitchen . The man on the fence still sat there . Truth to tell , he was chuckling to himself as he recalled all the mischief he had done in the old days -- the doubtful jokes , tricks , and escapades he had gone through with . He could not help remembering at the same time how patient old Stephen Strong had always been with him . He recalled the time he had been caught stealing the oats . How frightened and sullen he had been ! And how gently the old man had talked to him and pointed out the sin of which he had been guilty ! He had never stolen again , but in other respects he had not mended his ways much . Behind old Stephen 's back he laughed at him and his `` preaching . '' But Stephen Strong had never lost faith in him . He had always asserted mildly that `` Ben would come out all right by and by . '' Ben Butler remembered this too , as he sat on the fence . He had `` always liked old Stephen , '' he told himself . He was sorry he had fallen on such evil times . `` Preaching and praying do n't seem to have brought him out clear after all , '' he said with a chuckle that quickly died away . Somehow , even in his worst days , Ben Butler had never felt easy when he mocked old Stephen . `` Three thousand dollars ! I could do it but I reckon I 'd be a blamed fool . I ai n't a-going to do it .
Three thousand ai n't picked up every day , even XXXXX the Kootenay -- ` specially by chaps like me . ''
Behind after as at by for in of that to