"Billy Baron was keeping watch outside, and as his mate did not return, he grew uneasy. By-and-by he marched up and 'faced the brass knocker,' and was brought before the gentleman, who was now writing out a committal order, and Tom he saw standing, bolt upright, by the side of a man who had charge of him.
"Billy was a soft-hearted man, and burst into tears. Then the gentleman told Billy, in very straight terms, what he thought of his mate—a lying imposter, whom he was sending to prison.
"'Never!' said Billy, firmly. 'I'll lay my life on him.'
"'Very well; then, tell me, did you see a great bird fly over London, so large as to hide the light of the sun with its wings?'
"'No, sir,' replied Billy. 'I didn't see the bird, but I seed four horses dragging an egg, which people said a great bird had laid.'
"'You are a truthful man,' said the gentleman.
"'I hope so,' said Billy, with one eye on his mate.
"'I hope so, too. Then, tell me, did you eat some whitepot at Smithfield Market?'
"'No, I didn't, yer honour, but I seed a store full of gurt horn spoons.'
"'He told me something else, and I'm sure you'll answer truthfully. He told me he saw the River Thames on fire.'