With some persons the very fact of having been accused would be prejudicial, but these are things the reader may perhaps exclaim, “It is not possible for the wisest of us to prevent!”
Granted; but that is no reason why every precaution should not be taken to protect the innocent man.
These observations, however, do not apply to such hardened offenders as Peace, who is included in the category of habitual criminals, or, to make use of a stronger term, professional thieves.
CHAPTER XVIII.
PRISONERS AWAITING TRIAL—THE ASSIZES—PEACE’S DEFENCE.
Peace, as may readily be imagined, deplored having made an attempt to enter the “Gothic Cottage” in the occupation of Mrs. Pocklington. He came to the conclusion that that was one of the most stupid things he had ever been guilty of.
His first night in the county gaol was by no means an agreeable one.
The first night in any prison is generally one of bitterness and gall to the unhappy prisoners; but our hero felt humiliated at the contemptible part he had been playing to be knocked about by an old woman until he was rendered nearly senseless, and in that state to be captured without even making an attempt to escape, was most aggravating.
The more he reflected upon the matter the more humiliated did he feel.
His sleep was broken and disturbed during the greater portion of the night.