aceful a situation. A severe punishment is, however,
demanded by the voice of justice, and by that sentence of the law you
must now be condemned: at the same time I trust that an appeal to the
mercy of your sovereign will not be made in vain."

The judge then passed the sentence upon Marables, the prisoners were led
out of court, and a new trial commenced; while Mr Drummond and the
Dominie conducted me home. About a week after the trial, Fleming
suffered the penalty of the law; while Marables was sentenced to
transportation for life, which, however, previous to his sailing, was
commuted to seven years.

In a few days the lighter returned. Her arrival was announced to me one
fine sunny morning as I lay in bed, by a voice whose well-known notes
poured into my ear as I was half dozing on my pillow:--

"Bright are the beams of the morning sky,
And sweet the dew the red blossoms sip,
But brighter the glances of dear woman's eye--

"Tom, you monkey, belay the warp, and throw the fenders over the side.
Be smart, or old Fuzzle will be growling about his red paint.

"And sweet is the dew on her lip."

I jumped out of my little crib, threw open the window, the panes of
which were crystallised with the frost in the form of little trees, and
beheld the lighter just made fast to the wharf, the sun shining
brightly, old Tom's face as cheerful as the morn, and young Tom
laughing, jumping about, and blowing his fingers. I was soon dressed,
and shaking hands with my barge-mates.

"Well, Jacob, how do you like the Old Bailey? Never was in it but once
in my life, and never mean to go again if I can help it; that was when
Sam Bowles was tried for his life, but my evidence saved him. I'll tell
you how it was. Tom, look a'ter the breakfast; a bowl of tea this cold
morning will be worth having. Come, jump about."

"But I never heard the story of Sam Bowles," answered Tom.

"What's that to you? I'm telling it to Jacob."

"But I want to hear it--so go on, father. I'll start you. Well, d'ye
see, Sam Bowles--"

"Master Tom, them as play with _bowls_ may meet with _rubbers_. Take
care I don't _rub_ down your hide. Off, you thief, and get breakfast."

"No, I won't: if I don't have your _Bowles_ you shall have no _bowls_ of
tea. I've made my mind up to that."

"I tell you what, Tom; I shall never get any good out of you until I
have both your legs ampitated. I've a great mind to send for the
farrier."

"Thank