A little after nine a
figure was seen coming down the street from the other end. He passed
quickly into the shop.
"That is the boy," Mr. Porson said.
"Wouldn't it be better, sir," the constable asked, "to wait till the
deed is completed, then we can lay our hands on White as a receiver?"
"No," Mr. Porson replied, "for in that case the boy would have
to appear with him in the dock, and that I wish of all things to
avoid."
So saying he walked quickly on and entered the shop.
Mather was leaning across the counter while the man was examining
the pencil case by the light of the candle.
"Five shillings," the man said, "and no more. I was nearly getting
into trouble over that last job of yours."
"But it's worth a great deal more than that," Mather said. "You
might give me ten."
"Well, take it back then," the man said, pushing it across the
counter.
"Thank you, I will take it myself," Mr. Porson said quietly, as he
advanced and stretched out his hand.
Mather turned round with a sudden cry, and then stood the picture
of silent terror.
"As for you," the master said indignantly to the dealer, "you
scoundrel, if you had your deserts I would hand you over to the
constable, who is outside the door, as a receiver of stolen goods,
and for inciting this boy to theft. I heard you offer him a sum
of money for it which shows that you knew it was stolen; but your
time will come, sir, and you will hang over the gate of York prison
as many a poor wretch far less guilty than yourself has done;"
for in those days death was the punishment of receivers of stolen
goods, as well as of these convicted of highway robbery and burglary.
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