Joey"s eyes were cast down on the stone pavement; he made no reply.
"Why, then, if I am right in my supposition," continued Mary--"I do not ask you to say yes or no on that point--why should you not tell the truth? Furness told me that your father and mother had left the village, and that he had attempted to trace them, but could not; and he expressed himself sure that they were gone to America. Why, then, supposing I am right, should you sacrifice yourself for nothing?"
"Supposing you are right, Mary," replied Joey, with his eyes still cast down, "what proof is there that my parents have left the country? It was only the supposition of Furness, and it is my conviction that they have not. Where they may be, I know not; but I feel positive that my mother would not leave the country without having first found out where I was, and have taken me with her. No, Mary, my father and mother, if alive, are still in this country."
"Recollect again, my dear boy, that your father may be dead."
"And if so, my mother would have by this time found me out; she would have advertised for me--done everything--I feel that she would have--she would have returned to Gra.s.sford, and--"
"And what, Joey?"
"I must not say what, Mary," replied our hero; "I have thought a great deal since I have been shut up here, and I have taken my resolution, which is not to be changed; so let us say no more upon the subject, dear Mary. Tell me all about yourself."
Mary remained another hour with Joey, and then bade him farewell; she was anxious to return to Mrs Austin, and acquaint her with the result of her interview; with a heavy heart she walked away from the cell, and went down into the parlour of the gaoler.
"Would you like to take anything?" said the gaoler"s wife, after Mary had sat down.
"A little water," replied Mary.
"And how is your brother?"
"He is innocent," replied Mary: "he is indeed; but he won"t tell anything, and they will condemn him."
"Well, well; but do not be afraid; he must have been very young at the time, innocent or guilty, and he won"t suffer, that I know; but he will be sent out of the country."
"Then I will go with him," replied Mary.
"Perhaps he will be pardoned, dear; keep your spirits up, and, if you have money, get a good lawyer."
"Can you tell me who would be a good lawyer to apply to?"
"Yes; Mr Trevor; he is a very clever man, and comes the Western Circuit; if any one can save him, he can."
"I will take his name down, if you please," said Mary.
The gaoler"s wife gave Mary a piece of paper and pen and ink; Mary wrote down the name and address of Mr Trevor, and then with many thanks took her leave.
On her return to the Hall, Mary communicated to Mrs Austin what had pa.s.sed. Mrs Austin perceived that Joey would not swerve from his resolution, and that all that could be done was to procure the best legal a.s.sistance.
"Mary, my poor girl," said Mrs Austin, "here is money, which you will find necessary for your adopted brother"s a.s.sistance. You say that you have obtained the name of the best legal person to be employed in his behalf. To-morrow you must go to London, and call upon that gentleman.
It may be as well not to mention my name. As his sister, you of course seek the best legal advice. You must manage all this as if from yourself."
"I will, madam."
"And, Mary, if you think it advisable, you can remain in town for two or three days; but pray write to me every day."
"I will, madam."
"Let me know your address, as I may wish to say something to you when I know what has been done."
"I will, madam."
"And now you had better go to bed, Mary, for you must be tired; indeed, you look very fatigued, my poor girl; I need not caution you not to say anything to any of the servants; good night."
Mary threw herself on the bed, she was indeed worn out with anxiety and grief; at last she slept. The next morning she was on her way to town, having, in reply to the curiosity of the servants, stated that the cause of her journey was the dangerous illness of her brother.
As soon as she arrived in London, Mary drove to the chambers of the lawyer, whose direction she had obtained from the Exeter gaoler"s wife; he was at home, and after waiting a short time, she was ushered by the clerk into his presence.
"What can I do for you, young lady?" inquired Mr Trevor, with some surprise: "it is not often that the den of a lawyer has such a bright vision to cheer it. Do me the favour to take a chair."
"I am not a young lady, sir," replied Mary; "I have come to you to request that you will be so kind as to defend my brother, who is about to be tried."
"Your brother! what is he charged with?"
"Murder," replied Mary; "but indeed, sir, he is not guilty," she continued, as she burst into tears.
Mr Trevor was not only a clever, but also a kind and considerate man.
He remained silent for some minutes to allow Mary time to recover herself. When she was more composed, he said--
"What is your brother"s name?"
"Joseph Rushbrook."
"Rushbrook! Rushbrook! I well remember that name," remarked Mr Trevor; "strange, the Christian name also the same! it is singular certainly. The last time I was concerned for a person of that name, I was the means of his coming into a large landed property; now I am requested to defend one of the same name accused of murder."
Mary was astonished at this observation of Mr Trevor"s, but made no reply.
"Have you the indictment? Where did the murder take place?"
"In Devonshire, sir, many years ago."
"And he is now in Exeter gaol? Come, tell me all the particulars."
Mary told all that she knew, in a very clear and concise manner.
"Now, my good girl," said Mr Trevor, "I must see your brother. In two days I shall be down at Exeter. If you write to him, or see him before I do, you must tell him he must trust in his lawyer, and have no reservation, or I shall not be able to do him so much service. Allow me to ask you have you any relations in Yorkshire?"
"No, sir, none."
"And yet the name and Christian name are exactly the same. It"s an odd coincidence! They, however, changed their name, when they came into the property."
"Changed the name of Rushbrook, sir!" said Mary, who now thought that she had a clue to Joey"s parents.
"Yes, changed it to Austin; they live now in Dorsetshire. I mention it because, if interest is required for your brother, and he could prove any relationship, it might be valuable. But, bless me! what is the matter? Smithers," cried Mr Trevor, as he ran and supported Mary, "some water! quick! the girl has fainted!"
It was surprise at this astounding intelligence, her regard for Mrs Austin, and the light now thrown upon the interest she had shown for our hero, and the conviction of what must be her suffering, which had overcome the poor girl. In a short time she recovered.
"I thank you, sir, but I have suffered so much anxiety about my poor brother," said Mary, faltering, and almost gasping for breath.