Ches Maybin started convulsively , as if he meant to spring from the buggy at once , but Miss Calista 's hand was on his arm in a grasp none the less firm because of its gentleness , and there was a warning gleam in her grey eyes . `` It wo n't mend matters trying to get clear of me , Chester . I know it was you and I want an answer -- a truthful one , mind you -- to my question . I am your friend , and I am not going to harm you if you tell me the truth . '' Her clear and incisive gaze met and held irresistibly the boy 's wavering one . The sullen obstinacy of his face relaxed . `` Well , '' he muttered finally , `` I was just desperate , that 's why . I 've never done anything real bad in my life before , but people have always been down on me . I 'm blamed for everything , and nobody wants anything to do with me . I 'm willing to work , but I ca n't get a thing to do . I 'm in rags and I have n't a cent , and winter 's coming on . I heard you telling Mrs. Galloway yesterday about the money . I was behind the fir hedge and you did n't see me . I went away and planned it all out . I 'd get in some way -- and I meant to use the money to get away out west as far from here as I could , and begin life there , where nobody knew me , and where I 'd have some sort of a chance . I 've never had any here . You can put me in jail now , if you like -- they 'll feed and clothe me there , anyhow , and I 'll be on a level with the rest . '' The boy had blurted it all out sullenly and half-chokingly . A world of rebellion and protest against the fate that had always dragged him down was couched in his voice . Miss Calista drew Dapple to a standstill before her gate .
`` I 'm not going XXXXX send you to jail , Chester .
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