That was because he hadn't a penny to 'garnish' his sharks of gaolers.

You know what 'garnish' means, child ?" "Yes, indeed--money to bribe the gaolers with." "Aye, from the Governor downward, and not forgetting the chaplain.

I was able by flinging about a few guineas to better his condition, and as the gaol fever was creeping upon the poor fellow, they were glad enough to get rid of him.

While I was there, he told me the whole story.

It began like most other stories with a woman." "Oh, I know," burst out Lavinia, "you needn't tell me.