If I thought it certain that the jury would find a verdict of guilty, and that Ned, innocent as I believe him of the crime, would be hung, I should say that your plan might be worth thinking of; for in that case Ned might possibly be got away till we his friends here could get at the bottom of the matter.

Still it would be an acknowledgment for the time of his guilt, and I am sure that Ned himself would not run away without standing his trial even if the doors of his cell were opened.

I shall see him tomorrow morning, and will tell him of your scheme on his behalf.

I am sure he will be grateful, but I am pretty certain that he will not avail himself of it.

If you will come down tomorrow evening I will let you know exactly what he says." As Mr.Porson expected, Ned, although much moved at the offer of his humble friends to free him by force, altogether declined to accept it.
"It is just like Bill," he said, "ready to get into any scrape himself to help me: but I must stand my trial.