"'Do you know what the Poorhouse in Edinburgh is?' 'It is just a house for putting poor orphans in.'
"'Do you know the name of that establishment?' 'No.'
"'Do you happen to know that these fifteen came to the mill from an establishment for the reception of poor orphans?' 'Yes.'
"'How many had you at the mill?' 'Fifteen.'
"'At what ages?' 'From 12 to 15.'
"'Were they treated in a similar manner to yourself?' 'Yes, we were all treated alike; there was one treatment for all, from the oldest to the youngest.'
"'Did not some of you attempt, not merely to get out of the mill, but out of the country?' 'Yes; I have known some go down to the boat at Dundee, in order to escape by that means, and the overseer has caught them there, and brought them back again.'
"'Is there not a ferry there?' 'Yes.'
"'When persons disembark there, they may embark on the ferry?' 'Yes.'
"'Did your parents live in Dundee at this time?' 'No.'