“'That is my name,' replied I.
“'Mr. Daniel MacNaghten, of Garrah Lynn?' asked he, again.
“'When I owned it,' rejoined I, trying to smile at a sad recollection.
“'Then I have a writ against you, sir,' continued he, 'and I'm sorry I must execute it, too.'
“'At whose suit, and for what sum?' asked I, trying to be calm and collected. He answered my last question first, by saying it was for an acceptance for twelve hundred and seventy-six pounds odd; and, after a little pressing, added,—
“'At the suit of Joseph Curtis, Esq., of Meagh-valley House.'
“'What's to be done?' said I. 'I cannot pay it.'
“'Come over to Green Street for the present, anyhow,' said he, civilly; 'there are plenty of houses.'
“'No, no; to jail, if I must,' said I, boldly. 'It's not myself I was thinking about.'
“Just as day was breaking, I passed into the prison; and when I thought to be looking upon the mountains of the bay slowly fading behind me, I was ushered into the debtors' yard, to wait till my future dwelling-place should be assigned me.”