Final answer:
The girl in 'The Finger of God' plays a crucial role in preventing Strickland from theft by indirectly influencing his moral judgment and reminding him of the honesty expected of him.
Step-by-step explanation:
In “The Finger of God,” the girl is instrumental in keeping Strickland from stealing the money by making him confront his morality and through her presence, indirectly reminding him of his honesty and sense of right.
Despite the struggle within him to justify taking the money, there is an undercurrent of honesty, which is further reinforced by the girl's trust and expectations of him.
In the passage where Deborah watches Hugh eager to return the money, her disappointment underscores the right thing to do, influencing Hugh’s decision to act honorably.