ht to me to
put on, in lieu of my own clothes, I requested leave from the gaoler to
wash myself, which was granted; and, strange to say, so unaccustomed had
I been to such a state of filth, that I felt a degree of happiness, as I
returned from the pump in the prison-yard, and I put on the prison dress
almost with pleasure; for degrading as it was, at all events, it was
new and clean. I then returned to my cell and was left to my meditations.

Now that my examination and committal were over, I became much more
composed, and was able to reflect coolly. I perceived the great
danger of my situation--how strong the evidence was against me--and
how little chance I had of escape. As for sending to Lord Windermear,
Mr Masterton, or those who formerly were acquainted with me, my pride
forbade it--I would sooner have perished on the scaffold. Besides,
their evidence as to my former situation in life, although it would
perhaps satisfactorily account for my possession of the money and the
ring, and for my disposing of my portmanteau--all strong presumptive
evidence against me--would not destroy the evidence brought forward as
to the robbery, which appeared to be so very conclusive to the bench of
magistrates. My only chance appeared to be in the footpad, who had not
escaped, acknowledging that I was not his accomplice, and I felt how much
I was interested in his recovery, as well as in his candour. The assizes
I knew were near at hand, and I anxiously awaited the return of the
gaoler, to make a few inquiries. At night he looked through the small
square cut out of the top of the door of the cell, for it was his duty
to go his rounds and ascertain if all his prisoners were safe. I then
asked him if I might be allowed to make a few purchases, such as pens,
ink, and paper, &c. As I was not committed to prison in punishment, but
on suspicion, this was not denied, although it would have been to those
who were condemned to imprisonment and hard labour for their offences;
and he volunteered to procure them for me the next morning. I then
wished him a good-night, and threw myself on my mattress. Worn out with
fatigue and distress of mind, I slept soundly, without dreaming, until
daylight the next morning. As I awoke, and my scattered senses were
returning, I had a confused idea that there was something which weighed
heavily on my mind, which sleep had banished from my memory. "What is
it?" thought I; and as I opened my eyes, so did I remembe