And he was about to be imprisoned for the thefts which he had not committed (the fact about the hat being, that he had purchased it from a gentleman at the "Three Rooks" for two pints of beer)--he was about to be remanded, when, behold, Mrs.Hayes the elder made her appearance; and to her it was that the Ensign was indebted for his freedom.
Old Hayes had gone to work before the ostler arrived; but when his wife heard the lad's message, she instantly caused her pillion to be placed behind the saddle, and mounting the grey horse, urged the stable-boy to gallop as hard as ever he could to the justice's house.
She entered panting and alarmed.

"Oh, what is your honour going to do to this honest gentleman ?" said she.

"In the name of Heaven, let him go! His time is precious--he has important business--business of life and death." "I tould the jidge so," said the Ensign, "but he refused to take my word--the sacred wurrd of honour of Captain Geraldine." Macshane was good at a single lie, though easily flustered on an examination; and this was a very creditable stratagem to acquaint Mrs.
Hayes with the name that he bore.
"What! you know Captain Geraldine ?" said Mr.Ballance, who was perfectly well acquainted with the carpenter's wife.
"In coorse she does.

Hasn't she known me these tin years?
Are we not related?
Didn't she give me the very horse which I rode, and, to make belave, tould you I'd bought in London ?" "Let her tell her own story.

Are you related to Captain Geraldine, Mrs.
Hayes ?" "Yes--oh, yes!" "A very elegant connection! And you gave him the horse, did you, of your own free-will ?" "Oh yes! of my own will--I would give him anything.