Such a scene as there was, when Kit came in, and bursting into the

rude eloquence with which Truth at length inspired him, called

Heaven to witness that he was innocent, and that how the property

came to be found upon him he knew not! Such a confusion of

tongues, before the circumstances were related, and the proofs

disclosed! Such a dead silence when all was told, and his three friends

exchanged looks of doubt and amazement!

Is it not possible,' said Mr Witherden, after a long pause, 'that this

note may have found its way into the hat by some accident, - such as

the removal of papers on the desk, for instance?'

But this was clearly shown to be quite impossible. Mr Swiveller,

though an unwilling witness, could not help proving to demonstration,

from the position in which it was found, that it must have been

designedly secreted.

It's very distressing,' said Brass, 'immensely distressing, I am sure.

When he comes to be tried, I shall be very happy to recommend him to

mercy on account of his previous good character. I did lose money

before, certainly, but it doesn't quite follow that he took it. The

presumption's against him - strongly against him - but we're

Christians, I hope?'

'I suppose,' said the constable, looking round, 'that no gentleman here

can give evidence as to whether he's been flush of money of late, Do

you happen to know, Sir?'

'He has had money from time to time, certainly,' returned Mr Garland,

to whom the man had put the question. 'But that, as he always told

me, was given him by Mr Brass himself.'

Yes to be sure,' said Kit eagerly. 'You can bear me out in that, Sir?'

Eh?' cried Brass, looking from face to face with an expression of

stupid amazement.

The money you know, the half-crowns, that you gave me - from the

lodger,' said Kit.

Oh dear me!' cried Brass, shaking his head and frowning heavily.

This is a bad case, I find; a very bad case indeed.'

'What! Did you give him no money on account of anybody, Sir?' asked

Mr Garland, with great anxiety.

I give him money, Sir!' returned Sampson. 'Oh, come you know, this

is too barefaced. Constable, my good fellow, we had better be going.'

The Old Curiosity Shop