"You can surely give some account of your presence there?"
The prisoner smiled again.
"I refuse to do so," he replied, with great firmness, yet courtesy of manner.
"Then I must commit you for trial," said the magistrate. "Have you no witnesses to bring forward in your own defense now, as to character—no referees?" he continued.
"None," was the quiet reply.
"I am sorry," said Mr. Kent; "to see one who is so evidently a gentleman and a man of education in such a position."
But there was no shame in the handsome face; none in the proud eyes. He raised his head with haughty grace and made no reply.
"I can take bail," said Mr. Kent, but the prisoner said, "I have none to offer."
Then was the good magistrate puzzled. He had no resource but to commit the young man to take his trial at the Sessions. Yet looking at the clear, aristocratic face, and the firm, proud lips, he could have sworn that the prisoner was perfectly innocent of the theft.
He read pride, honesty, loyalty and chivalry in the face, yet there was nothing left for him to do but to commit him.