Oakley. “For upwards of seven years she has occasionally lodged with Watson, at Mr. —— in —— street, St. Giles’s, and they always passed as man and wife; and, moreover, Chapman smokes; and whenever Watson gives her any offence, she beats her and blackens her eyes, though Watson is so much taller and apparently stronger.”
Mr. Bennett. “It is a very extraordinary case. What have you to say, prisoner?”
Prisoner. “Isabella has lived with me as my companion for many years.”
Mr. Bennett. “Why do you dress as a man?”
Prisoner. “I own I am disguised, and it was owing to the cruelty of a father-in-law that I first dressed in this manner. I never did harm to any person. I have been all over the kingdom, and never was in prison in my life before.”
Mr. Bennett. “Well I should advise you to be careful; if I could punish you, I would.”
Isabella Watson. “The poor fellow has been with me hundreds of miles as my companion, and he never got into a scrape before.”
Mr. Bennett. “It is a case that puzzles me, but I must discharge the prisoner.”
The prisoner, who was chewing tobacco, then bowed his head, and walked out of the office with Isabella, who exclaimed, “Never mind, my lad, if we live a hundred years it will be in this manner.”
Watson is about five feet seven inches in height, with rather an intelligent countenance; and Chapman is not more than five feet high. Her hair is light brown, and cut short, the same as a man’s; and she has the gait of a man, and looks like a costermonger.