Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/238

 on his Manor, in as high Terms, and as bitter Language, as if his Houe had been broken open, and the mot valuable Furniture ole out of it. He added, that ome other Peron was in his Company, tho’ he could not dicover him: for that two Guns had been dicharged almot in the ame Intant. And, ays he, “we have found only this Partridge, but the Lord knows what Michief they have done.”

At his Return home, Tom was preently convened before Mr. Allworthy. He owned the Fact, and alledged no other Excue but what was really true, viz. that the Covey was originally prung in Mr. Allworthy’s own Manor.

Tom was then interrogated who was with him, which Mr. Allworthy declared he was reolved to know, acquainting the Culprit with the Circumtance of the two Guns, which had been depoed by the Squire and both his Servants; but Tom toutly perited in aerting he was alone; yet, to ay the Truth, he heitated a little at firt, which would have confirmed Mr. Allworthy’s Belief, had what the Squire and his Servants aid, wanted any further Confirmation.