The jury returned a verdict of guilty, but recommended the prisoner to mercy. In spite of Sleech's criminality, Mr. Coppinger and others exerted themselves, and the sentence of death was commuted to that of transportation for life, and Mr. Silas Sleech was among the next batch of prisoners shipped off on board a convict ship for Botany Bay. Mr. Tony Sleech did not allow his heart to break at the loss of his son. He was legally dead, and his next boy must, therefore, be the heir of Stanmore. He was of a somewhat more hopeful character than Silas, though not possessing the same amount of talent. He was a dunce, indeed, in his father's estimation, and had been so in that of his school companions. He had, however, sense enough to appreciate the change of position from a younger son to that of the heir of a fine estate, and very soon gave himself so many airs that his brothers and sisters could not help having a secret wish that he might be despatched after Silas. The cost of his son's defence had been very considerable, and Mr. Sleech therefore considered it desirable to repay himself by cutting down more of the Stanmore trees, although the proceeds were not to be expended in the way Silas had proposed. He was one day, soon after his return to Stanmore, superintending this proceeding, when Mr. Wallace arrived at the park, and proceeded into the grounds to look for him. The two lawyers bowed stiffly to each other. "I have come, Mr. Sleech," said the other, "on the part of my client, to _warn_ you of the danger of your proceeding. For every tree that falls you will be made responsible. I have thorough confidence that Captain Everard will ere long prove his right to the property." "No danger at all about the matter, my good sir," answered Mr. Sleech, with an air of indifference which he did not altogether feel. "I have a right over these trees, and have determined to cut them down, and therefore, I say, let any man interfere with me if he dare." "We are not going to proceed by force, Mr. Sleech," answered Mr. Wallace, "we are not driven to that; but I again repeat that, not only will you be compelled to pay the value of every tree which you cut down, but also you will be heavily fined for the damage which you have committed on the property." "I will stand the consequences," repeated Sleech, but his voice somewhat failed him as he spoke. Mr. Wallace marked it. "Well," he said, "my good sir, we are fellow-townsmen, and though often professionally opposed to each other, I speak to you as a friend. Be warned in time. Your son has been dealt leniently with, and has escaped death, but depend upon it, if you persist in injuring this estate, you will be made to pay heavily in purse. No mercy will be shown you, I can assure you."