Elijah looked confused. "Do you? Or are you guessing?" He was very very certain Ben did not know, but perhaps the man was more open minded than he knew, but he doubted it.

"He confessed, Elijah." Ben sighed deep. He walked slow, like a man who was old and tired.

Eljiah stared at him , in clear shock. "Of what?" He walked along side him wanting an answer. He considered buying the man a cane, but he was sure that Ben wouldn't want it. It would just show how much the years were getting to him.

Ben stopped and looked at Elijah as if hesitant. Then he said, in a low voice: "He stole that money, Elijah."

Elijah rose his brow looking surprised. "Really? You caught him? From who?" He spoke low but no one was around to see or hear them.

"He admitted. He took it off a stranger." Ben had always tried to raise his children to be good people. He didn't let them drink. He didn't let them use foul language. He had taught them to obey authority, be honest, respect the law, be charitable, work hard. There were so many of their lot who drank, or were violent, or went into crime. He had been determined not only to rise above it, but to raise his children above it as well. To learn that his own son had stolen - again - was a blow that almost physically hurt.

He slowly started walking again. "If ye see him in that area again... let him spend the night in a cell where he belongs or take him straight home, please..."

Elijah couldn't blame Simon. Being a thief was better than the truth. He was certain it was the truth. He sighed heavily and nodded. "Alright, Ben. I'll do as you wish.' Though he worried for the poor young man who just wanted to be himself.

Ben nodded wearily. "Thank you, Elijah." He walked on, slowly. Despite his declining health, Ben was still strong, and he forced himself to do everything the same way he had always done it. But tonight he looked old and weary.

Elijah nodded and walked with him quietly , putting his hands in his pockets as he hung his head. "Of course, Ben. I always want to do the best I can for you all.'

"Thank you, Elijah... We might still push him on the right path..." Ben was feeling like he couldn't walk on anymore. It was a frightening feeling. He had been fine yesterday. He clenched his teeth and walked on.