“He is innocent,” replied Mary: “he is indeed; but he won’t tell anything, and they will condemn him.”
“Well, well; but do not be afraid; he must have been very young at the time, innocent or guilty, and he won’t suffer, that I know; but he will be sent out of the country.”
“Then I will go with him,” replied Mary.
“Perhaps he will be pardoned, dear; keep your spirits up, and, if you have money, get a good lawyer.”
“Can you tell me who would be a good lawyer to apply to?”
“Yes; Mr Trevor; he is a very clever man, and comes the Western Circuit; if any one can save him, he can.”
“I will take his name down, if you please,” said Mary.
The gaoler’s wife gave Mary a piece of paper and pen and ink; Mary wrote down the name and address of Mr Trevor, and then with many thanks took her leave.
On her return to the Hall, Mary communicated to Mrs Austin what had passed. Mrs Austin perceived that Joey would not swerve from his resolution, and that all that could be done was to procure the best legal assistance.
“Mary, my poor girl,” said Mrs Austin, “here is money, which you will find necessary for your adopted brother’s assistance. You say that you have obtained the name of the best legal person to be employed in his behalf. To-morrow you must go to London, and call upon that gentleman. It may be as well not to mention my name. As his sister, you of course seek the best legal advice. You must manage all this as if from yourself.”