to have some of their former sins brought to remembrance.
Two other indictments being brought against them, and the facts being
proved upon them, they were both condemned to die. They both pleaded
their bellies, and were both voted quick with child; though my tutoress
was no more with child than I was.

I went frequently to see them, and condole with them, expecting that it
would be my turn next; but the place gave me so much horror, reflecting
that it was the place of my unhappy birth, and of my mother's
misfortunes, and that I could not bear it, so I was forced to leave off
going to see them.

And oh! could I have but taken warning by their disasters, I had been
happy still, for I was yet free, and had nothing brought against me;
but it could not be, my measure was not yet filled up.

My comrade, having the brand of an old offender, was executed; the
young offender was spared, having obtained a reprieve, but lay starving
a long while in prison, till at last she got her name into what they
call a circuit pardon, and so came off.

This terrible example of my comrade frighted me heartily, and for a
good while I made no excursions; but one night, in the neighbourhood of
my governess's house, they cried 'Fire.' My governess looked out, for
we were all up, and cried immediately that such a gentlewoman's house
was all of a light fire atop, and so indeed it was. Here she gives me
a job. 'Now, child,' says she, 'there is a rare opportunity, for the
fire being so near that you may go to it before the street is blocked
up with the crowd.' She presently gave me my cue. 'Go, child,' says
she, 'to the house, and run in and tell the lady, or anybody you see,
that you come to help them, and that you came from such a gentlewoman
(that is, one of her acquaintance farther up the street).' She gave me
the like cue to the next house, naming another name that was also an
acquaintance of the gentlewoman of the house.

Away I went, and, coming to the house, I found them all in confusion,
you may be sure. I ran in, and finding one of the maids, 'Lord!
sweetheart,' says I, 'how came this dismal accident? Where is your
mistress? Any how does she do? Is she safe? And where are the
children? I come from Madam ---- to help you.' Away runs the maid.
'Madam, madam,' says she, screaming as loud as she could yell, 'here is
a gentlewoman come from Madam ---- to help us.' The poor woman, half
out of her wits, with a bundle under her