He now at once recollected me; for the gloominess of the place and the approaching night had prevented his distinguishing my features before. Yes, Sir,' returned Mr. Jenkinson, I remember you perfectly well; 'I bought a horse but forgot to pay for him. Your 'neighbour Flamborough is the only prosecutor I am any way afraid of at the next assizes: for he intends to swear positively against me as a coiner. I am heartily 'sorry, Sir, I ever deceived you, or indeed any man; for 'you see,' continued he, shewing his shackles, 'what my 'tricks have brought me to.'

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'Well, Sir,' replied I, 'your kindness in offering me assistance when you could expect no return, shall be 'repaid with my endeavours to soften or totally suppress 'Mr. Flamborough's evidence, and I will send my son to him for that purpose the first opportunity; nor do 'I in the least doubt but he will comply with my request, and as to my own evidence you need be under no uneasiness about that.'

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Well, Sir,' cried he, all the return I can make shall be yours. You shall have more than half my bed'clothes to-night, and I'll take care to stand your friend ' in the prison, where I think I have some influence.'

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I thanked him, and could not avoid being surprised at the present youthful change in his aspect; for at the time I had seen him before he appeared at least sixty.' Sir,' answered he, you are little acquainted with the world; 'I had at that time false hair, and have learnt the art of counterfeiting every age from seventeen to seventy. 'Ah, Sir, had I but bestowed half the pains in learning a trade that I have in learning to be a scoundrel, I might

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have been a rich man at this day. But rogue as I am, still I may be your friend, and that perhaps when you 'least expect it.'

We were now prevented from further conversation by

the arrival of the gaoler's servants, who came to call over the prisoners' names, and lock up for the night. A fellow also, with a bundle of straw for my bed, attended, who led me along a dark narrow passage into a room paved like the common prison, and in one corner of this I spread my bed and the clothes given me by my fellow-prisoner; which done, my conductor, who was civil enough, bade me a good night. After my usual meditations, and having praised my heavenly corrector, I laid myself down and slept with the utmost tranquillity till morning.

I therefore read them a portion of the service with a loud unaffected voice, and found my audience perfectly merry upon the occasion.-PAGE 359.

CHAPTER XXVI

A reformation in the gaol. To make laws compleat they should reward as well as punish.

strength of everything about us, it seems, had daunted them. I gently rebuked their sorrow, assuring them I had never slept with greater tranquillity, and next enquired after my eldest daughter, who was not among them. They informed me that yesterday's uneasiness and fatigue had encreased her fever, and it was judged proper to leave her behind. My next care was to send

my son to procure a room or two to lodge the family in, as near the prison as conveniently could be found. He obeyed; but could only find one apartment, which was hired at a small expence for his mother and sisters, the gaoler with humanity consenting to let him and his two little brothers lie in the prison with me. A bed was therefore prepared for them in a corner of the room, which I thought answered very conveniently. I was willing, however, previously to know whether my little children chose to lie in a place which seemed to fright them upon

entrance.

'Well,' cried I, ' my good boys, how do you like your bed? I hope you are not afraid to lie in this room, dark 'as it appears."

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'No, papa,' says Dick, 'I am not afraid to lie anywhere 'where you are.'

'And I,' says Bill, who was yet but four years old, 'love every place best that my papa is in.'

After this I allotted to each of the family what they were to do. My daughter was particularly directed to watch her declining sister's health; my wife was to attend me; my little boys were to read to me : · And as 'for you my son,' continued I, 'it is by the labour of your hands we must all hope to be supported. Your wages, as a day-labourer, will be fully sufficient with 'proper frugality to maintain us all, and comfortably too. Thou art now sixteen years old, and hast strength, and it was given thee, my son, for very useful purposes; for 'it must save from famine your helpless parents and 'family. Prepare then this evening to look out for work against to-morrow, and bring home every night what money you earn, for our support.'

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Having thus instructed him, and settled the rest, I walked down to the common prison, where I could enjoy more air and room. But I was not long there when the