afraid that my opinion coincides with yours, and that the grand
jury will not hesitate to find a bill, as the case stands at present.
Let us, however, ask the witness Armstrong one question. Do you
positively swear to this young man being one of the persons who attacked
you?"

"It was not very light at the time, sir, and both the men had their
faces _smutted_; but it was a person just his size, and dressed in the
same way, as near as I can recollect."

"You cannot, therefore, swear to his identity?"

"No, sir; but to the best of my knowledge and belief, he is the man."

"Take that evidence down as important," said Mr Norman; "it will assist
him at his trial."

The evidence was taken down, and then my commitment to the county gaol
was made out. I was placed in a cart, between two constables, and
driven off. On my arrival I was put into a cell, and my money returned
to me, but the ring was detained, that it might be advertised. At last,
I was freed from the manacles; and when the prison dress was brought 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