A cheerful fire was burning in the grate, and in front of this ran some strong iron bars as high as a man’s chest. These were supported and braced by iron uprights.
When Peace and his fellow-prisoners entered this place they found several other offenders already assembled therein.
The massive door, studded with iron nails, was slammed to and looked from the outside.
“What do they mean by bringing us to a crib like this when we are committed to the county gaol?” said Mr. Green, in a tone of disgust. “I shall enter an action agen them for unlawful detention.”
“You are particular,” cried a man seated at the corner of the fireplace. “You’ll be taken to the gaol soon enough, but it won’t be till after the rising of the court.”
“You seem to know all about it,” returned Mr. Green. “Thank you for the information.”
The batch of prisoners who had but just arrived now possessed themselves of the requisite number of chairs, and arranged themselves in a group apart from the others.
There was a dead silence for some time after this.
Peace was moody and thoughtful, and every now and then regarded his companions with a furtive glance.
He did not recognise any person with whom he had been previously acquainted.