xpected that at the
trial some remarkable and astounding disclosures will be made. 'The
young man from the country' was very remarkably dressed: he twirled
in his hand a large old-fashioned white-beaver hat with a black band
round it; wore a very peculiar frock, elaborately ornamented with
needlework in front and behind, while a yellow kerchief with red ends
was twisted round his neck. The countryman declined to give his town
address; but a remarkable incident occurred during the hearing, which
did not seem to strike either the Lord Mayor or the counsel for the
defence, and that was that no appearance of the countryman's
companion was put in. Who he is and to what region he belongs will
probably transpire at the ensuing trial, which is expected to be
taken on the second day of the next Sessions. It is obvious that
while the case is _sub judice_ no comments can properly be made
thereon, but we are not prevented from saying that the evidence of
this extraordinary 'young man from the country' will be subjected to
the most searching cross-examination of one of the ablest counsel of
the English Bar."

The two men looked at Mr. Bumpkin; while the latter coloured until his
complexion resembled beetroot. Miss Prettyface giggled; and Mrs.
Oldtimes winked at Mr. Bumpkin, and shook her head in the most
significant manner.

"That's a rum case, sir," said Ned.

Silence.

"I don't believe a word of the story," said his companion.

Silence.

"Do you believe," he continued, "that that man could have been wearing
that watch if he'd stole it?"

"Not I."

"Lor! won't Jemmy Nimble make mincemeat of 'im!"

Mrs. Oldtimes looked frequently towards Mr. Bumpkin as she continued her
sewing, making the most unmistakeable signals that under no circumstances
was he to answer. It was apparent to everyone, from Mr. Bumpkin's
manner, that the paragraph referred to him.

"The best thing that chap can do," said Ned, "is not to appear at the
trial. He can easily keep away."

"He won't, you're sure," answered the other man; "he knows a trick worth
two of that. They say the old chap deserted his poor old wife, after
beating her black and blue, and leaving her for dead."

"It be a lie!" exclaimed Bumpkin, thumping his fist on the table.

"Oh!" said Ned, "do you know anything about it, sir? It's no odds to me,
only a man can't shut his ears."

"P'r'aps I do and p'