It was much upon my mind (particularly when I first saw him looking about for his file) that I ought to tell Joe the whole truth. Yet I did not, and for the reason that I mistrusted that if I did, he would think me worse than I was. The fear of losing Joe’s confidence, and of thenceforth sitting in the chimney corner at night staring drearily at my forever lost companion and friend, tied up my tongue.
– Charles Dickens
Great Expectations, Chapter 6. Young Pip is in a moral dilemma whether he should tell Joe the truth about stealing food and a file to help the escaped convict. However, he decides not to and allows Joe continue believing it was the convict who stole from the forge. Pip fear of losing Joe’s friendship and good opinion of him stop him from confessing.