Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

DANGER IN THE DARK. 201
them decency; that; you know, would be a great
thing."
" Yes, and a mighty great undertaking too; nor
am I just now in the humor to set about it; I 'd as
soon think of taming a wild ass' colt as to attempt
civilizing either one of them chaps. It's plain to be
seen they're two young devils; and if they are never
hanged, they'll never get justice. Notice the expression
of low cunning and trickery in the eye of the
older one, who calls himself Felix Dupin. I '11warrant
him a snake in the grass. The other is less
shrewd, but has more of the dog in him."
"True, 't is obvious they are depraved and untutored
as the wild Arab; but consider they never, perhaps,
in all their lives had one wholesome lesson of
instruction, and maybe not a single word of good
advice. What then could we expect of them ~"
" Sure enough, that's what I want to know-what
could we expect ~ I expect to have nothing to do
with stragglers of whom we can nothing expect."
"But however degraded, they are not beyond the
reach of hope."
"No, nor the reach of a rope."
"Wholesome influences miglit save them."
"I know society would be saved a deal of trouble, and
experience something wholesome, if all such fellows
were packed off to purgatory, where they should be.
" But they may be redeemed."
" Doubtful."
" Anyhow, its worth the trial."
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