“She didn’t take much notice on him at that time, I admit,” answered Bill. “But why didn’t she?”

“Can’t say.”

“Then I’ll tell yer. She didn’t know then that he was her son. Do you understand now, old thick-head?”

“Vell, I didn’t understand it rightly,” returned Cooney; but I s’pose it’s square and straight.”

“As straight as an arrow, take my word for it.”

“I don’t care which way it is,” said Cooney. “Blow the Dandy, say I. I only wish I could get Charley Peace out of quod.”

“Ah,” replied the gipsy, “and so do I. He’s worth fifty Dandys.”

“Have you seen anything on him?”

“Yes. I saw him on the day of his trial.”

“And how was he?”