He went to the offices of Mr. Donkin, the oldest established and most respected attorney in Monkshaven—­he who had been employed to draw up the law papers and deeds of partnership consequent on Hepburn and Coulson succeeding to the shop of John and Jeremiah Foster, Brothers.

Mr. Donkin knew Philip from this circumstance.  But, indeed, nearly every one in Monkshaven knew each other; if not enough to speak to, at least enough to be acquainted with the personal appearance and reputation of most of those whom they met in the streets.  It so happened that Mr. Donkin had a favourable opinion of Philip; and perhaps for this reason the latter had a shorter time to wait before he obtained an interview with the head of the house, than many of the clients who came for that purpose from town or country for many miles round.

Philip was ushered in.  Mr. Donkin sate with his spectacles pushed up on his forehead, ready to watch his countenance and listen to his words.

‘Good afternoon, Mr. Hepburn!’

‘Good afternoon, sir.’  Philip hesitated how to begin.  Mr. Donkin became impatient, and tapped with the fingers of his left hand on his desk.  Philip’s sensitive nerves felt and rightly interpreted the action.

’Please, sir, I’m come to speak to you about Daniel Robson, of Haytersbank Farm.’

‘Daniel Robson?’ said Mr. Donkin, after a short pause, to try and compel Philip into speed in his story.

’Yes, sir.  He’s been taken up on account of this affair, sir, about the press-gang on Saturday night.’

‘To be sure!  I thought I knew the name.’  And Mr. Donkin’s face became graver, and the expression more concentrated.  Looking up suddenly at Philip, he said, ’You are aware that I am the clerk to the magistrates?’

‘No, sir,’ in a tone that indicated the unexpressed ‘What then?’

’Well, but I am.  And so of course, if you want my services or advice in favour of a prisoner whom they have committed, or are going to commit, you can’t have them, that’s all.’

‘I am very sorry—­very!’ said Philip; and then he was again silent for a period; long enough to make the busy attorney impatient.

‘Well, Mr. Hepburn, have you anything else to say to me?’

’Yes, sir.  I’ve a deal to ask of you; for you see I don’t rightly understand what to do; and yet I’m all as Daniel’s wife and daughter has to look to; and I’ve their grief heavy on my heart.  You could not tell me what is to be done with Daniel, could you, sir?’

’He’ll be brought up before the magistrates to-morrow morning for final examination, along with the others, you know, before he’s sent to York Castle to take his trial at the spring assizes.’

‘To York Castle, sir?’

Mr. Donkin nodded, as if words were too precious to waste.

‘And when will he go?’ asked poor Philip, in dismay.

’To-morrow:  most probably as soon as the examination is over.  The evidence is clear as to his being present, aiding and abetting,—­ indicted on the 4th section of 1 George I., statute 1, chapter 5.  I’m afraid it’s a bad look-out.  Is he a friend of yours, Mr Hepburn?’