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THE ROBBERS.

O. Moor.

(Earnestly.) Any news of my son Charles?

Francis.

Hm, hm. Why, yes—but—I am afraid—If—you were ailing at all—or in the least indisposed—I beg your pardon—I will tell you at a more convenient time. (Half apart.) Such tidings are not for a frail old man.

O. Moor.

God Almighty! What am I to hear!

Francis.

Let me step aside on moment, while I drop a tear of compassion for my poor lost brother.—But on this subject, as he is your son, I should be silent.—As he is my brother, I ought for ever to conceal his shame—Yet it is my first duty to obey you—in this instance, a melancholy duty.—Pity me, Sir! I need your pity!

O. Moor.

O Charles, Charles! if you knew how you tear your father's heart at this moment!—How the smallest good intelligence of you would add

years