These two personages had effectually concealed Chudley in various parts of the metropolis after he had committed the murder in Larchgrove-lane.
They had supplied him with funds to go abroad. In point of fact, they were about to see him on board of a vessel at Liverpool, but imprudently chose to pay a visit to the hiring fair.
The result of this act of folly we already know.
Purvis detested the Jamblins, and he, as well as Laura Stanbridge, thought Chudley had done a meritorious act by ridding the world of young Mr. Philip; anyway, they befriended his assassin, and supplied him with funds, both before and after his capture.
Mr. Slapperton, after having received the necessary instructions for the wretched man’s defence, spoke most confidently of the result of the trial. He told his client that the chances were clearly in his favour, and that in all probability the jury would return a verdict of “Not Guilty.”
Giles, however, was of a different opinion. He was an ignorant low-bred ruffian, but he had a certain amount of low cunning, which, to say the truth, is a qualification that most criminals of his type generally possess. However, he put as good a face on the matter as possible, and affected to believe what his solicitor told him.
But he was reflective, and thinking of certain plans which he had formed. His low cunning now came out with additional force.
One burning thought was for ever in his brain; it was this:
“How could he effect his escape?”
If he could succeed in doing this, there were those outside who would effectually conceal him from the bloodhounds of the law.