As I happened
to have plenty of small money in my possession, and as I felt
obliged to him for having purchased my horses at what I considered
to be a good price, I informed him that I should be very happy to
accommodate him; so I changed him the note, and he, having taken
possession of the horses, went his way, and I myself returned home.
"A month passed; during this time I paid away two of the notes
which I had received at Horncastle from the dealer--one of them in
my immediate neighbourhood, and the other at a town about fifteen
miles distant, to which I had repaired for the purpose of
purchasing some furniture. All things seemed to be going on most
prosperously, and I felt quite happy, when one morning, as I was
overlooking some workmen who were employed about my house, I was
accosted by a constable, who informed me that he was sent to
request my immediate appearance before a neighbouring bench of
magistrates. Concluding that I was merely summoned on some
unimportant business connected with the neighbourhood, I felt no
surprise, and forthwith departed in company with the officer. The
demeanour of the man upon the way struck me as somewhat singular.
I had frequently spoken to him before, and had always found him
civil and respectful, but he was now reserved and sullen, and
replied to two or three questions which I put to him in anything
but a courteous manner.
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