At this stage of the proceedings, O'Rorke's father and mother, accompanied by some of their friends, made their appearance.

The old man, however, declined to take any part in the vindication of his son.

He stood sullenly silent, with his arms folded and his brows knit, as much in indignation as in sorrow.

The grief of the mother was louder, for she wept audibly.
Ere the lapse of many minutes, the constable returned, and stated that Nanse was not be found.
"She has not been at her master's house since morning," he observed, "and they don't know where she is, or what has become of her." The magistrate immediately despatched two of the constables, with strict injunctions! to secure her, if possible.
"In the mean time," he added, "I will order you, Nell M'Collum, to be strictly confined, until I ascertain whether she can be produced or not.
Your haunts may be searched with some hope of success, while you are in durance; but I rather think we might seek for her in vain, if you were at liberty to regulate her motions.

I cannot expect," he added, turning to the stranger, "that you should prosecute one so nearly related to you, even if you had proof, which you have not; but I am almost certain, that she has been someway or other concerned in the robbery.