with her. No, Mary, my father and mother, if
alive, are still in this country."

"Recollect again, my dear boy, that your father may be dead."

"And if so, my mother would have by this time found me out; she would
have advertised for me--done everything--I feel that she would have--she
would have returned to Grassford, and--"

"And what, Joey?"

"I must not say what, Mary," replied our hero; "I have thought a great
deal since I have been shut up here, and I have taken my resolution,
which is not to be changed; so let us say no more upon the subject, dear
Mary. Tell me all about yourself."

Mary remained another hour with Joey, and then bade him farewell; she
was anxious to return to Mrs Austin, and acquaint her with the result
of her interview; with a heavy heart she walked away from the cell, and
went down into the parlour of the gaoler.

"Would you like to take anything?" said the gaoler's wife, after Mary
had sat down.

"A little water," replied Mary.

"And how is your brother?"

"He is innocent," replied Mary: "he is indeed; but he won't tell
anything, and they will condemn him."

"Well, well; but do not be afraid; he must have been very young at the
time, innocent or guilty, and he won't suffer, that I know; but he will
be sent out of the country."

"Then I will go with him," replied Mary.

"Perhaps he will be pardoned, dear; keep your spirits up, and, if you
have money, get a good lawyer."

"Can you tell me who would be a good lawyer to apply to?"

"Yes; Mr Trevor; he is a very clever man, and comes the Western
Circuit; if any one can save him, he can."

"I will take his name down, if you please," said Mary.

The gaoler's wife gave Mary a piece of paper and pen and ink; Mary wrote
down the name and address of Mr Trevor, and then with many thanks took
her leave.

On her return to the Hall, Mary communicated to Mrs Austin what had
passed. Mrs Austin perceived that Joey would not swerve from his
resolution, and that all that could be done was to procure the best
legal assistance.

"Mary, my poor girl," said Mrs Austin, "here is money, which you will
find necessary for your adopted brother's assistance. You say that you
have obtained the name of the best legal person to be employed in his
behalf. To-morrow you must go to London, and call upon that gentleman.
It may be as well not to mention my name. As his sister, you of course
seek the best legal advice. You must manage all this as if f