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Updated: May 31, 2025
Marables and Fleming were sitting opposite each other at the little table. There were some papers before them, and they were dividing some money. Marables expostulated at his share not being sufficient, and Fleming laughed and told him he had earned no more. Fearful of being discovered, I made a silent retreat, and gained my bed.
But I soon recovered myself; the freshness of the air, the bright sky overhead, the busy scene before me, and the necessity of attending to my duty, chased away my painful remembrances; and when I had passed the spot I was again cheerful and content. In half-an-hour I had shot Putney Bridge, and was sweeping clear of the shallows on the reach below, when Marables and Fleming came up.
I watched him till I perceived him land at the stairs, and then turned round to Marables: "I can't understand all this," observed I. "I don't suppose you can," replied Marables: "but still I could explain it if you will promise me faithfully not to say a word about it." "I will make that promise if you satisfy me that all is right," answered I.
Marables made no reply; he coloured up, seemed very much annoyed, and then looked up to the sky. "You'll find," continued Fleming, addressing me in a low voice, "that I command here so be wise. Perhaps the day may come when you may walk in and out the cabin as you please, but that depends upon yourself. By-and-by, when we know more of each other "
I was then cross-examined by the counsel for Fleming, but he could not make me vary in my evidence, I did, however, take the opportunity, whenever I was able, of saying all I could in favour of Marables. At last the counsel said he would ask me no more questions.
It was then read over to the prisoners, who were asked if they had anything to say in their defence. Fleming, who had sent for his lawyer, was advised to make no answer. Marables quietly replied, that all the boy had said was quite true. "Recollect," said the magistrate, "we cannot accept you as king's evidence; that of the boy is considered sufficient."
At last I made up my mind that I would, and ran from the locker to call through the door, when I heard the sound of oars. I paused again loitered the boat was alongside, and I heard Fleming jump upon the deck. "Quick," said he to Marables, as he came to the cabin-door, and tried to open it; "We've no time to lose we must get up the sacks and sink everything.
"Well, then, take my advice learn to swim as fast as you can for I have a strong notion that one day or other I shall take you by the scruff of the neck, and send you to look after your father." "Fleming! Fleming! pray be quiet!" said Marables, who had several times pulled him by the sleeve.
The lad was the chief evidence against the prisoner Fleming, and also against Marables, the other prisoner, of whom he could only observe, that circumstances would transpire, during the trial, in his favour, which he had no doubt would be well considered by his lordship. He would not detain the gentlemen of the jury any longer, but at once call on his witnesses.
Although I did not fear the wrath of Marables, in case of discovery, as I did that of Fleming, it was still with a beating heart and a tremulous hand that I gently opened the door, pausing before I entered, to ascertain if Marables were disturbed. He moved not, and I entered, closing the door after me. I caught up the light, and held it in my hand as I hung over the table.
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