meaning. They've seen blood, same as yourself. This child of yours--he
stands as much chance to be hurt as any, if you push it. Your Honour'll
have to find some other way."

The Collector glanced over his shoulder, and saw that the man spoke
truth.

"Dicky," he said easily, but in a voice the child durst not disobey,
"there has been an accident. Go you down and amuse yourself on the
sands till Manasseh calls you."

He walked back coolly, carrying the rug on his arm.

"Where was she to be taken?" he asked.

"To the stocks!" answered a voice or two. "To the Court-house!" said
others.

"It's the same thing," said the heavy-browed man, at the Collector's
elbow. "The stocks are just across the square from the Court-house.
You'll find the magistrates there; they're the ones to face. They took
her case first this morning, and this is the first part of her
sentence."

Oliver Vyell walked back to the crowd. It was--a glance assured him--
more hostile than before; had recovered from its surprise, and was
menacing. But it gave way again before him.

He called on them to give more room. He stooped and, spreading the rug
over the girl's body, lifted and laid her in the straw of the cart.