Page:Memoirs James Hardy Vaux.djvu/196

173 of countenance); recollect, Mr. Vaux, you are not at the bar of the Old Bailey now. Come to the point, Sir, come to the point. I ask you what you were sent here for?"

Vaux. "Sir, I was charged with picking a gentleman's pocket, but, though your Excellency may doubt my assertion, I solemnly assure you, I was innocent of that fact."

Governor. (with a most satirical smile, and throwing himself back in his chair) "O, I dare say, Mr. Vaux, very innocent no doubt. Quite innocent, I dare say. So the long and the short of it is, you were sent here for picking pockets."

Vaux. "I confess, Sir, that was the charge."

Governor. "What have you been brought up to, Mr. Vaux?"

Vaux. "Sir, I have been chiefly employed in the law; but I profess to be a clerk in general."

Governor. "Pray, Sir, what office were you in last?"

Vaux. "Sir, the last gentleman I served was Mr. Preston, in King's Bench Walk.

Governor. (With a frown) "That I very much doubt, Sir; that I very much doubt. Sir; that I very much doubt, Mr, Vaux."

Vaux. I am sorry your Excellency has so bad an opinion of me; I assure you, Sir, it is the fact."

Governor. Well, Mr. Vaux, I shall send you to