The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-11-25
[coNrINrEp PROM FIRST PAGE. |


to all argument and persuasion. He said
that it was now too late to send for any
solicitor; that all the offices were closed;
that he bad no one he could send, and so
forth. He added that should have plenty
of opportunities in the morning of getting
any assistance that might be entitled to.
In despair | sank back on my wretched
apology for bed; and, utterly exhausted
with my days adventures, fell into an un-
easy sleep.
was routed out early in the morning,
and compelled to make my bed and clean
out my cell.
In the course of few hours | received
the welcome intelligence that | was to be
taken before the magistrate.
All this time. be it remembered, | had
been suffering terribly from anxiety with
regard to my sister.
John would, of course, have reached
home long ago, and would have reported
that had taken the ''short cut, as he
termed it. As the hours went by they
would be getting more anxious about me,
and would come to the conclusion that
was lost on Dartmoor That meant that
an exploring party would have been des-
patched after me, and that my sisters
anxiety and distress on my account would
increase with every moments suspense and
delay. | scarce.y dared think of the state
in which | should find her when | was at
last free.
was ushered into small and dirty
court room.
The magistrates had already disposed of
enc or two cases of minor importance, but
it was clear that mine was the great event
of the day.
The place was crowded with townspeople,
for the news of the capture Of the escaped
convict had created considerable excitement
knew l was looking far from my best,
and could not hope to make favorable
impression had had no opportunity of
making a toilet The abominable clothes
in which | was dressed made me look
worse than | could have imagined possible.
Before | was permitted to speak, the
Inspector gave his account of my capture,
and the Bench were about to call the
witnesses, when | interrupted, thinking it
was high time that they heard my version
of the matter, and not doubling for an in
slant that had but to speak toprovc
my innocence.
| have remarked that the rustics were
obtuse and obstinate; the Inspector still
more so; now found that a country mag
istrate could beat them all.
These orthy justices were evidently
under tie impression that their duty was
to convict criminals, and that those who
came before them were, by the nature of
things, guilty.
| told my story, and they listened with
sort of plying smile on their faces. 1t
seemed as if they thought l might certain
ly have invented "A very much better tale.
At the close of my narration they took
no trouble to cross-examine me, but in a
short, snappy way the Chairman said
"Remanded.
This was too much for me-
insisted on knowing why he did not
investigate the case at once.
He deigned to explain so far as to say
tRemanded for the attendance of the ward
err from Princetown to identify.
This was going too far with a vengeance;
and, at the risk of being punished for con-
tempt of court, | protested against the
treatment to which [ had been subjected.
| showed my boots, and asked the mag
istrate if he thought that any convict
could possibly wear boots like those? |
offered to do him a sketch on the spot, to
show that | was an artist by profession.
was positively astonished at my elo-
quence, and it was patent that my story
carried conviction to the minds of'm ost of
the audience, if not to the magistrates.
The Chairman looked little uneasy,
and bent down to consult with his clerk
When he had finished, he addressed me in
a somewhat more conciatory tone:
''Your story may be correct he said,
"or it may not but that will be point
for future consideration In the mean
time. YOU must be remanded but you can
have any assistance you may require or
that may be deemed necessary,
s'But on what charge an L remanded
reiterated. Il have done nothing, and
am perfectly innocent.
lThat may be, the magistrate respond
ed, shut at all events there is one thing
that is perfectly certain you are in posses
sion of Government property, pointing to
the clothes | was wearing; "and that is
presumption against you. Take the pris-
oner away" he added, in tone which adj
mitted of no further argument.
was again removed to the cell. The
Inspector paid me an early visit. His
bearing was now somewhat altered. II
was clear that the story | had told had
considerably impressed this worthy.
He told me that if | liked he would
fetch me solicitor.
OF course / jumped at the offer. |
told him to lose no time, as the matter was
urgent. | waited, and waited but no So
licitor came [ heard the clock strike
eleven. Still no one came.
| banged on my door in futile anger. |
was going almost mad at the thought that
the hours were passing, and that all this
while my sisters nervous fears must be in
creasing.
At length the door opened, and, instead
of the solicitor, the wretched Inspector
again presented himself.
"Where is the SOLICITOR" exclaimed
fiercely.
..You can go now, sir, he said. How
changed his tome ''The charge has been
Withdrawn"
sWithdrawn p / said. ''What on earth
do you mean ?"
The Inspector looked as foolish as he
well could.
Well, sir, we are very sorry indeed, OF
course; but we have only done our duty
you know"
ayes, yes" broke in impatiently
ibut what does it all mean? What has
happened?T
sWell, sir, it seems they have captured
the real convict, and there is no doubt
about his identification. So there is ne
reason why we should now detain you one
moment.