his face, and the old gentleman's eyes fell first on Tommy; and if
ever _scamp_ was written clear on a countenance, it was written clear
on Tommy's.

"Hold your impudent tongue!" said a policeman, and gave Clare a cuff
on the head.

"Hold, John," interposed the magistrate; "it is my part to punish, not
yours."

"Thank you, sir," said Clare.

"I will thank _you_, sir," returned the magistrate, "not to speak till
I put to you the questions I am about to put to you.--What is the
charge against the prisoners?"

"Housebreaking, sir," answered the big man.

"What! Housebreaking! Boys with a baby! House-breakers don't generally
go about with babies in their arms! Explain the thing."

The policeman said he had received information that unlawful
possession had been taken of a building commonly known as The Haunted
House, which had been in Chancery for no one could tell how many
years. He had gone to see, and had found the accused in possession of
the best bedroom--fast asleep, surrounded by indications that they had
made themselves at home there for some time. He had brought them
along.

The magistrate turned his eyes on Clare.