"
"We are passing," observed Vanston, "from one to another rather
irregularly, I fear; don't you think we had better hear this girl fully
in the first place; but, my good girl," he added, "you are to understand
that we are not here to investigate any charges against Mr. Hycy Burke,
but against the Hogans. You will please then to confine your charges to
them."
"But," replied Nanny, "that's what I can't do, plase your honor, widout
bringin' in Hycy Burke too, bekaise himself an' the Hogans was joined in
everything."
"I think, gintlemen," said the priest, "the best plan is to let her tell
her story in her own way."
"Perhaps so," said Chevydale; "proceed, young woman, and state fully and
truly whatever you have got to say."
"Well, then," she proceeded, "there's one thing I know--I know who
robbed Mr. Burke here;" and she pointed to the old man, who started.
The magistrates also looked surprised. "How," said Vanston, turning his
eyes keenly upon her, "you know of the robbery; and pray, how long have
you known it?'"
"Ever since the night it was committed, plaise your honor."
"What a probable story!" exclaimed Hycy; "and you kept it to yourself,
like an honest girl as you are, until now!"
"Why, Mr. Burke," said Vanston, quickly and rather sharply, "surely you
can have no motive in impugning her evidence upon that subject?"
Hycy bit his lip, for he instantly felt that he had overshot himself by
almost anticipating the charge, as if it were about to be made against
himself;--"What I think improbable in it," said Hycy, "is that she
should, if in possession of the facts, keep them concealed so long.
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