The most important part of his evidence was the repetition of the words young Bastow had used as he mounted the ladder, as they showed that it was arranged between the prisoners that the stolen goods should be hidden in the house.

The Squire was only asked one or two questions.
"I suppose, Mr.Thorndyke, that you had no idea whatever that the younger prisoner would be accompanied by anyone else when he returned home ?" "Not the slightest," the Squire replied.

"I was there simply to prevent this unfortunate lad from entering the house, when perhaps he might have used violence towards his father.

My intention was to seize him if he did so, and to give him the choice of enlisting, as I had urged him to do, or of being brought before this bench for breaking into his father's house.

I felt that anything was better than his continuing in the evil courses on which he seemed bent." "Thank you, Mr.Thorndyke.I must compliment you in the name of my brother magistrates, and I may say of the public, for the manner in which you, at considerable risk to yourself, have effected the capture of the two elder prisoners." After consulting with the others the head constable was recalled.
"Do you know anything about the character of the youngest prisoner ?" "Yes, sir.