Dear Mrs.Preston,
You have discovered Marty's secret. He is keeping the dog Shiloh from Judd because he fears that Judd will kill it. You are faced with a tough choice. The purpose of this letter is to recommend what I think you should do. It may seem to you that you have to decide whether to tell Marty's father or not. However, there are many options other than just those two. You could keep Marty's secret and tell no one, make Marty take Shiloh back to Judd and not tell your husband, or take Shiloh back to the house and show him to Marty's father.
If you make Marty take Shiloh back to Judd and not tell Pa that you found him, there are several negative consequences and not too many positive ones. Most likely your husband would find out, After all, he is a postman and they visit with everyone. He feels strongly about the fact that Shiloh belongs to Judd and he would be embarrassed in front of Judd. Being so mean and cruel, Judd might have Marty arrested, although he often breaks the law by killing deer out of season. Judd might even kill Shiloh. He has a history of abusing his dogs and has threatened to break Shiloh's legs if he found him.
Another option you might consider is to keep Marty's secret and tell no one. It is obvious that you believe that telling the truth is extremely important It is part of your deep faith in God. When you made Marty tell the truth about eating Dara Lynn's treat, you showed how you felt about lying. Omission is another form of lying. You might even feel so guilty that it would change your relationship with your husband and family. Pa also might find out since often goes hunting. He would probably be mad at you at first, but you seem to have strong marriage so he most likely will forgive you. How- you ever, there would be some pretty miserable moments first. Guilt is hard to live with.
Probably the best option of the three is to take Shiloh back to the house, show it to Marty's father, and explain the situation to him as best you can. You have a very good relationship with your husband and he listens to you. Even though he feels strongly about property, he might help to think of an- other solution besides giving the dog back to Judd. Because you have told the truth, you would not feel guilty. Marty would see that the truth is very important because you are a good role model. Although Shiloh might have to go back to Judd, Marty's father might be more understanding about the situation and he might tell Judd that he is going to be watching to see if he hurts Shiloh.
If you look at these three options, each has both positive and negative sequences. Because you value the truth so highly and more good things can come out of taking Shiloh back to the house and talking to Marty's father, that is the option that I recommend to you. It will deepen the trusting relationship that you have with your husband and show Marty truth that a is of great value. Thank you for your consideration and attention. Please think carefully before you make a decision, The future of your family could depend on it.
Sincerely,
Matthew