Did he really say that dirty skunk shot me? Asked the little boy.
The man spit his chew into the grass. “He sure did. He said it again when we him to to the hospital.”
“Did that guy really shoot the Sheriff?”
“He might have. We may never know”
“why?”
“Because I didn’t see the shooter. I was walking with the sheriff toward the barn when in the blink of an eye the shot rang out. The sheriff grabbed his side and said that the dirty skunk shot me. I helped him to the car and drove him into town. I didn’t see the shooter and I don’t think he did either.”
“But the had a trial and convicted that man.”
“That is my cross to bear. I testified that I saw him but I lied.”
“lying is bad, Grandpa.”
“I know it is. I have spent all this time on earth knowing that I may have sent an innocent man to prison. Everyone is dead now but I know I will be punished when my time comes. Don’t ever lie, son. It makes your life a hell on earth.”
“Yes, grandpa. But I still love you.”
He knew he was a lucky man but at what a cost.