large mark over one of his eyebrows.' 'I ask pardon, madam,' interrupted Jenkinson, who was by, but be so good as to inform me if the fellow wore his own red hair?' 'Yes, I think so,' cried Sophia. 'And did your honor,' continued he, turning to Sir William, observe the length of his legs?' 'I can't be sure of their length,' cried the baronet, but I am convinced of their swiftness; for he outran me, which is what I thought few men in the kingdom could do. Please your honor,' cried Jenkinson, 'I know the man; it is certainly the same; the best runner in England. He has beaten Pinwire of Newcastle; Timothy Baxter is his name; I know him perfectly, and the very place of his retreat this moment. If your honor will bid Mr. Gaoler let two of his men go with me, I'll engage to produce him to you in an hour at furthest.' Upon this the gaoler was called, who instantly appearing," Sir William demanded if he knew him. 'Yes, please your honor,' replied the gaoler, ' I know Sir William Thornhill well; and every body that knows any thing of him, will desire to know more of him.' 'Well then,' said the baronet, 'my request is, that you will permit this man and two of your servants to go on a message by my authority, and as I am in the commission of the peace, I undertake to secure

you.' 'Your promise is sufficient,' replied the other, and you may at a minute's warning send them over England whenever your honor thinks fit.'

In pursuance of the gaoler's compliance, Jenkinson was despatched in search of Timothy Baxter, while we were amused with the assiduity of our youngest boy Bill, who had just come in and climbed up to Sir William's neck in order to kiss him. His mother was immediately going to chastise this familiarity, but the worthy man prevented her; and taking the child all ragged as he was, on his knee, What, Bill, you chubby rogue,' cried he, ' do you remember your old friend Burchell? and Dick, too, my honest veteran, are you here? you shall find I have not forgot you.' So saying, he gave each a large piece of gingerbread, which the poor fellows eat very heartily, as they had got that morning but a very scanty breakfast.

We now sat down to dinner, which was almost cold; but previously, my arm still continuing painful, Sir William wrote a prescription, for he had made the study of physic his amusement, and was more than moderately skilled in the profession this being sent to an apothecary who lived in the place, my arm was dressed, and I found almost instantaneous relief. We were waited upon at dinner by the gaoler

himself, who was willing to do our guest all the honor in his power. But before we had well dined, another message was brought from his nephew, desiring permission to appear, in order to vindicate his innocence and honor; with which request the baronet complied, and desired Mr. Thornhill to be introduced.

CHAPTER XXXI.

Former benevolence now repaid with unexpected interest.

MR. Thornhill made his entrance with a smile, which he seldom wanted, and was going to embrace his uncle, which the other repulsed with an air of disdain. • No fawning, sir, at present,' cried the baronet, with a look of severity, 'the only way to my heart is by the road of honor; but here I see only complicated instances of falsehood, cowardice, and oppression. How is it, sir, that this poor man, for whom you professed a friendship, is used thus hardly his daughter vilely seduced, as a recompense for his hospitality, and he himself thrown into prison, perhaps but for resenting the insult? His son too, whom you feared to face as a man

Is it possible, sir,' interrupted his nephew, 'that my uncle could object that as a crime which his repeated instructions alone have persuaded me to avoid?'

'Your rebuke,' cried Sir William, 'is just; you have acted in this instance prudently and well, though not quite as your father would have done: my brother indeed was the soul of honor; but thou-yes, you have acted in this instance perfectly right, and it has my warmest approbation.'

And I hope,' said his nephew, 'that the rest of my conduct will not be found to deserve censure. I appeared, sir, with this gentleman's daughter at some places of public amusement; thus, what was levity, scandal called by a harsher name. I waited on her father in person, willing to clear the thing to his satisfaction, and he received me only with insult and abuse. As for the rest, with regard to his being here, my attorney and steward can best inform you, as I commit the management of business entirely to them. If he has contracted debts and is unwilling or even unable to pay them, it is their business to proceed in this manner, and I see no hardship or injustice in pursuing the most legal means of redress.'

If this,' cried Sir William, 'be as you have stated it, there is nothing unpardonable in your offence; and though your conduct might have been more generous in not suffering this gentleman to be oppress ed by subordinate tyranny, yet it has been at least equitable.'

‘He cannot contradict a single particular,' replied the squire; I defy him to do

so, and several of my

to attest what I say.

servants are ready Thus, sir,' continued he, finding that I was silent, for in fact I could not contradict him, 'thus, sir, my own innocence is vindicated; but though at your entreaty I am ready to forgive this gentleman every other offence, yet his attempts to lesson me in your esteem, excite a resentment that I cannot govern. And this too at a time when his son was actually preparing to take away my life; this, I say, was such guilt, that I am, determined to let the law take its course. I have here the challenge that was sent me, and two witnesses to prove it; one of my servants has been wounded dangerously; and even though my uncle himself should dissuade me, which I know he will not, yet I will see public justice done, and he shall suffer for it.'

'Thou monster,' cried my wife, hast thou not had vengeance enough already, but must my poor boy feel thy cruelty? I hope that good Sir William will protect us, for my son is as innocent as a child; I am sure he is, and never did harm to man.'

'Madam,' replied the good man, ‘your wishes for his safety are not greater than mine; but I am sorry to find his guilt too