The watchman declared that he had caught me running away, that he had found the purse in my hand, and that Maria had described it, and the money contained in it, accurately. 'And will your worship,' said Maria, 'ask the girl to describe the sixpence that is in it?' The magistrate turned to me. 'Really,' said I, 'as I never even saw it, I cannot possibly pretend to describe it.' 'Then I can,' cried she. ''Tis bent in two places, and stamped on one of its sides with a D and an H.' The sixpence was examined, and answered her description of it. 'The case is clear enough,' said the magistrate, 'and now, Miss, try whether you can advocate your own cause as well as Jerry Sullivan's.' Jerry, who still remained in the room, came behind me, and whispered, 'Troth, Miss, I have no brains, but I have a bit of an oath, if that is of any use to you. I would sell my soul out of gratitude, at any time.' 'Alas! your Excellenza,' said I to the magistrate, 'frail is the tenure of that character, which has Innocence for its friend, and Infamy for its foe. Life is a chequered scene of light and shade; life is a jest, a stage----' 'Talking of life is not the way to save it,' said the magistrate. 'Less sentiment and more point, if you please.' I was silent, but looked anxiously towards the door. 'Are you meditating an escape?' asked he. 'No,' said I, 'but just wait a little, and you shall see what an interesting turn affairs will take.' 'Come,' cried he, 'proceed at once, or say you will not.' 'Ah, now,' said I, 'can't you stop one moment, and not spoil everything by your impatience. I am only watching for the tall, elegant young stranger, with an oval face, who is to enter just at this crisis, and snatch me from perdition.' 'Did he promise to come?' said the magistrate. 'Not at all,' answered I, 'for I have never seen the man in my life. But whoever rescues me now, you know, is destined to marry me hereafter. That is the rule.' 'You are an impudent minx,' said the magistrate, 'and shall pay dear for your jocularity. Have you parents?' 'I cannot tell.' 'Friends?' 'None.' 'Where do you live?' 'No where.' 'At least 'tis plain where you will die. What is your name?' 'Cherubina.' 'Cherubina what?' 'I know not.' 'Not know? I protest this is the most hardened profligate I have ever met. Commit her instantly.' I now saw that something must be done; so summoning all my most assuasive airs, I related the whole adventure, just as it had occurred. Not a syllable obtained belief. The fatal sixpence carried all before it. I recollected the fate of Angelica Angela Angelina, and shuddered. What should I do? One desperate experiment remained. 'There were four guineas and half a guinea in the purse,' said I to the girl. 'To be sure there were,' cried she. 'How cunning you are to tell me my own news.'