"I do, sir, perfectly," replied I.
"Perhaps then you will inform us by what means a diamond ring and twenty pounds in money came into your possession?"
"Honestly, sir," replied I.
"Will you state, as you are a poor countryman, with whom you worked last—what parish you belong to—and whom you can bring forward in proof of good character?"
"I certainly shall not answer those questions," replied I; "if I chose I might so do, and satisfactorily."
"What is your name?"
"I cannot answer that question either, sir," replied I.
"I told you yesterday that we had met before; was it not at Bow Street?"
"I am surprised at your asking a question, sir, from the bench, to which, if I answered, the reply might affect me considerably. I am here in a false position, and cannot well help myself. I have no friends that I choose to call, for I should blush that they should see me in such a state, and under such imputations."
"Your relations, young man, would certainly not be backward. Who is your father?"