216 BIRDS' NESTS. 



makes a great impression, and Henry was 

 much struck by the grave appearance of all 

 that he saw. The old, dark, heavy pictures, 

 the carved roof, the formal benches, with a 

 long table beneath, the quiet demeanour of the 

 people, who, instead of talking and laughing, 

 were evidently intent on what was going on : all 

 these things had a powerful effect on the boy 

 an effect, too, which was much heightened by 

 his not having been told beforehand where he 

 was being taken. But how much greater was 

 his surprise when he saw, standing by himself 

 in a little oblong box or pen, opposite the 

 magistrates' seat, no other than Bill Johnson ! 

 The whole truth flashed upon him ; the un- 

 happy boy had been taken up for some dis- 

 honest act, and w r as now brought before the 

 magistrates to be examined. Perhaps he had 

 been in prison, or would be taken to prison, 

 or would be transported, or have to work in 

 chains as a convict. Before, however, he could 

 recover from his feeling of wonder and terror 



