‘Only an uncle, sir,’ said Philip, his heart getting full; more from Mr. Donkin’s manner than from his words.  ’But what can they do to him, sir?’

‘Do?’ Mr. Donkin half smiled at the ignorance displayed.  ’Why, hang him, to be sure; if the judge is in a hanging mood.  He’s been either a principal in the offence, or a principal in the second degree, and, as such, liable to the full punishment.  I drew up the warrant myself this morning, though I left the exact name to be filled up by my clerk.’

‘Oh, sir! can you do nothing for me?’ asked Philip, with sharp beseeching in his voice.  He had never imagined that it was a capital offence; and the thought of his aunt’s and Sylvia’s ignorance of the possible fate awaiting him whom they so much loved, was like a stab to his heart.

’No, my good fellow.  I’m sorry; but, you see, it’s my duty to do all I can to bring criminals to justice.’

‘My uncle thought he was doing such a fine deed.’

’Demolishing and pulling down, destroying and burning dwelling-houses and outhouses,’ said Mr. Donkin.  ’He must have some peculiar notions.’

’The people is so mad with the press-gang, and Daniel has been at sea hisself; and took it so to heart when he heard of mariners and seafaring folk being carried off, and just cheated into doing what was kind and helpful—­leastways, what would have been kind and helpful, if there had been a fire.  I’m against violence and riots myself, sir, I’m sure; but I cannot help thinking as Daniel had a deal to justify him on Saturday night, sir.’

’Well; you must try and get a good lawyer to bring out all that side of the question.  There’s a good deal to be said on it; but it’s my duty to get up all the evidence to prove that he and others were present on the night in question; so, as you’ll perceive, I can give you no help in defending him.’

’But who can, sir?  I came to you as a friend who, I thought, would see me through it.  And I don’t know any other lawyer; leastways, to speak to.’

Mr. Donkin was really more concerned for the misguided rioters than he was aware; and he was aware of more interest than he cared to express.  So he softened his tone a little, and tried to give the best advice in his power.

’You’d better go to Edward Dawson on the other side of the river; he that was articled clerk with me two years ago, you know.  He’s a clever fellow, and has not too much practice; he’ll do the best he can for you.  He’ll have to be at the court-house, tell him, to-morrow morning at ten, when the justices meet.  He’ll watch the case for you; and then he’ll give you his opinion, and tell you what to do.  You can’t do better than follow his advice.  I must do all I can to collect evidence for a conviction, you know.’

Philip stood up, looked at his hat, and then came forward and laid down six and eightpence on the desk in a blushing, awkward way.

‘Pooh! pooh!’ said Mr. Donkin, pushing the money away.  ’Don’t be a fool; you’ll need it all before the trial’s over.  I’ve done nothing, man.  It would be a pretty thing for me to be feed by both parties.’