232 BIRDS' NESTS. 



business to see the chaplain of the gaol, and 

 give him all the particulars of your story, in 

 order that he may know that he has not to 

 deal with an ordinary case of trespass, but a 

 wretched mixture of falsehood, malice, and dis- 

 honesty. Well will it be for you if you listen to 

 the good instruction which he will give you; 

 otherwise, I am afraid to contemplate what 

 your future course may be." 



Johnson not being able, of course, to pay so 

 large a sum as three pounds, was on the point 

 of being removed by the constable, when he 

 appeared at last to be affected by the wretched 

 condition in which he had placed himself. 

 Naturally impudent, he had never been checked 

 by his parents, except when his impudence 

 thwarted their will, and then he was punished 

 with passion and severity, which hardened 

 him yet more. Now, however, the great dig- 

 nity of the magistrates, joined to the dread of 

 being committed for the first time to prison, 



