Читать книгу Charles Peace, or The Adventures of a Notorious Burglar онлайн

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“Thank you, sir,” said Peace; “I will not make any further observations at present.”

The servant girl was now placed in the box. She corroborated the evidence given by her mistress.

The two constables were next examined. They proved that the large lock of the door had been forced open—​proved also that housebreaking instruments were found upon the prisoner, together with a bunch of skeleton keys—​“and all these facts pointed to one conclusion,” said Mrs. Pocklington’s lawyer—​“namely, that the prisoner is a professional burglar.”

Unfortunately for Peace, this was proved beyond all question. A detective was placed in the box, who said he knew the prisoner well, that he had undergone one month’s imprisonment in December, 1851.

Peace denied this in a most positive manner; nevertheless his assertions had but little effect upon the bench, who decided upon sending the case for trial.

“I’ve been punished quite enough, I should think,” ejaculated Peace, “considering I never intended to rob the house—​but—”