"She is saved!" gasped Todd.
"Yes, I am saved to your confusion. I call you all to witness," she then added in a loud voice, "that I had no idea of the extent of Todd's iniquity; but what I do know I will freely tell as evidence for the crown against him."
Mrs. Lovett looked peculiarly at the Governor while she uttered these words, for she was anxious to know what he thought of them, but that functionary took not the remotest notice.
At this moment one of the warders announced the sheriff, and one of the Sheriffs of London with his gold chain of office on, appeared in the lobby. To him Mrs. Lovett immediately turned, saying—
"Sir, I offer myself as king's evidence. Do you understand me?"
"Perfectly, madam; but I have nothing to do with the matter."
"Nothing to do, sir? Then why do you wear that bauble?"
"My office, so far as you are concerned, madam, will be to keep you in safe custody, and see that the sentence of the law is carried into effect upon you, in case you should be convicted of the crimes laid to your charge."
"But I turn king's evidence. It is quite a common thing that you have all heard of that often enough."
"Now, madam, the coach is ready," said a turnkey.