The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 242: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE RESULT 225 **T think, your worship,” said Mr. Hood’s assistant, now stepping forward, ‘‘ that I can give some important evidence in the matter, for though I never saw the prisoner at the bar before in my life, yet I would not for the world remain silent when the character and liberty of a fellow creature are at stake.” The assistant was accordingly sworn, and he deposed that shortly after three o’clock in the morning he had been rung up by Mr. Marshall, to furnish a composing draught for a lady who was lying ill at the Admiral’s Head, that he was told the lady’s name was Mrs. Chandos, and that he had written that name on the label accordingly. Mr. Hood now also requested to be sworn, and this being done, he deposed that at eight o’clock in the morning he had visited Mrs. Chandos, the prisoner at the bar, at the hotel, . that he had seen her there, and was confident she was the same lady who now stood in the dock. “This is the most extraordinary case,” said the mayor, “that ever came before me. Mr. Marshall, you are quite positive that the prisoner arrived at your house last evening between six and seven o’clock? ”’ ‘“T am as certain, your worship, as that I am now address- ing you,’ was the reply. “‘ My wife and daughters can all prove it. And here,” he added, producing a day-book, ‘‘ are the entries of what the lady had at the hotel. Your worship will perceive that there are entries of tea and supper under yesterday’s date. I make up this book every night before I go to bed.” The book was handed up to the mayor, who examined the items, and then turning to Mr. Marlow, he said, “‘ Really, sir, I think you ought to be satisfied that this 1s a case of mistaken identity. Has the lady a sister at all resembling her? ”’ ‘That, your worship,’’ responded the attorney, ‘‘ was the very question I put to her in the presence of the constable, and she emphatically replied in the negative. Now, observe, your worship, the woman who made the attempted robbery on me and my partner told me her name was Mrs. Chandos, and the prisoner at the bar says she is Mrs. Chandos. Again, the woman who attempted the robbery took me to a cottage which has been described, and the woman at the bar admits that she lives at that cottage. Then again, I have often seen ) COMIC DOOKS (C(O)