marks not
very complimentary, and to me very annoying, were liberally made. "He's
a young hand for such work," cried one. "There's gallows marked in his
face," observed another, to whom, when I turned round to look at him, I
certainly could have returned the compliment. The station was not far
from the magistrates' office, and we soon arrived. The principal
officer went into the inner room, and communicated with the magistrates
before they came out and took their seats on the bench.

"Where is Jacob Faithful? My lad, do you know the nature of an oath?"

I answered in the affirmative; the oath was administered, and my
evidence taken down. It was then read over to the prisoners, who were
asked if they had anything to say in their defence. Fleming, who had
sent for his lawyer, was advised to make no answer. Marables quietly
replied, that all the boy had said was quite true.

"Recollect," said the magistrate, "we cannot accept you as king's
evidence; that of the boy is considered sufficient."

"I did not intend that you should," replied Marables. "I only want to
ease my conscience, not to try for my pardon."

They were then committed for trial, and led away to prison. I could not
help going up to Marables and shaking his hand, before he was led away.
He lifted up his two arms, for he was still handcuffed, and wiped his
eyes, saying, "Let this be a warning to you, Jacob--not that I think you
need it; but still I once was honest as yourself--and look at me now."
And he cast his eyes down sorrowfully upon his fettered wrists. They
quitted the room, Fleming giving me a look which was very significant of
what my chance would be if ever I fell into his clutches.

"We must detain you, my lad," observed one of the magistrates, "without
you can procure a sufficient bail for your appearance as witness on the
trial."

I replied that I knew of no one except my master, Mr Drummond, and my
schoolmaster; and had no means of letting them know of my situation.

The magistrate then directed the officer to go down by the first
Brentford coach, acquaint Mr Drummond with what had passed, and that
the lighter would remain in charge of the river police until he could
send hands on board of her; and I was allowed to sit down on the bench
behind the bar. It was not until past noon that Mr Drummond,
accompanied by the Dominie, made his appearance. To save time, the
magistrates gave them my deposition to read; they put in bail, a