Sentence:  Mr. Brownlow contrived to state his case; observing that, in the surprise of the moment, he had run after the boy because he saw him running away; and expressing his hope that, if the magistrate should believe him, although not actually the thief, to be connected with thieves; he would <WSD>deal</WSD> as leniently with him as justice would allow. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To have dealings or business.