"Have you well considered what degradation that punishment will bring upon you as long as you live?"
"Since you ask me," he answered, "I tell you frankly, no; I had not thought of that part of the business at all--it never even occurred to me; my thoughts were all otherwise engrossed."
"You should take it into consideration," said the magistrate. "I know nothing of what your position in society may be, but remember, you voluntarily cut yourself off from all association with even respectable people; a man who has been in prison cannot expect the countenance or fellowship of his fellow-men."
"I suppose you are right," replied the young man; "although, believe me, never a thought of this occurred to me."
"Now, would it not be better to tell the truth? Have you done it for a wager? is it the trick of a foolish young man? or were you really tempted to steal the watch?"
Something like a smile curved his handsome lips.
"I cannot tell you," he replied. "I am deeply grateful for your kind interest--indeed, I shall never forget it; but I cannot, in return, tell you one word."
"No," he answered slowly; "you could not help sending me for trial. Will you tell me what the probable result will be, supposing, as a matter of course, that I am found guilty?"
"Most probably, six months imprisonment, without hard labor, if it be a first offence."
"It is the first of its kind," was the smiling reply.
"You will not let me help you, then, in any way?" said Mr. Kent.
"There is nothing you can do for me," said the young man, gratefully.
"If you take my advice," continued the magistrate, "you will send for some clever lawyer; tell him the truth, whatever it may be, and while preserving your incognito, he may be able to do something for you. I should certainly do so in your place."
"I think not," he replied; "the less stir made about it the better. Surely in the crowd of a criminal court and in the prison dress, I shall escape recognition?"
"An admission," thought the magistrate, "that he has concealed his identity."
"Well, whatever comes, I shall always he grateful to you, Mr. Kent, for your interest in me."
"I am sorry you will not trust me," said the magistrate, rising to leave the cell.
"I am still more sorry that I cannot," was the reply, and then the prisoner was left alone.