"If everyone who has ever been selfish or greedy deserved to be tortured, the world would be a cruel and bloody place indeed."

People who have done far worse than that have been punished far less severely. He knows that, can prove it, but somehow it doesn't seem like the best argument to make at the moment. Instead, he makes sure to stay within Radley's reach, in case the wobbling becomes too much.

"Very well. Still, stay close to me; this place may resemble the mine you know, but it may also contain unknown threats."