 Can you doubt, if there is but one in it, which is the one, and, if there is two in it, which is much the worst one? And such-like. And when it come to character, warnt it Compeyson as had been to the school, and warnt it his schoolfellows as was in this position and in that, and warnt it him as had been knowd by witnesses in such clubs and societies, and nowt to his disadvantage? And warnt it me as had been tried afore, and as had been knowd up hill and down dale in Bridewells and Lock-Ups! And when it come to speech-making, warnt it Compeyson as could speak to em wi his face dropping every now and then into his white pocket-handkercher,ah! and wi verses in his speech, too,and warnt it me as could only say, Gentlemen, this man at my side is a most precious rascal? And when the verdict come, warnt it Compeyson as was recommended to mercy on account of good character and bad company, and giving up all the information he could agen me, and warnt it me as got never a word but Guilty? And when I says to Compeyson, Once out of this court, Ill smash that face of yourn! aint it Compeyson as prays the Judge to be protected, and gets two turnkeys stood betwixt us? And when were sentenced, aint it him as gets seven year, and me fourteen, and aint it him as the Judge is sorry for, because he might a done so well, and aint it me as the Judge perceives to be a old offender of wiolent passion, likely to come to worse?

He had worked himself into a state of great excitement, but he checked it, took two or three short breaths, swallowed as often, and stretching out his hand towards me said, in a reassuring manner, I aint a-going to be low, dear boy!

He had so heated himself that he took out his handkerchief and wiped his face and head and neck and hands, before he could go on.