HEMOIBS 0]? JOSEPH GBIKAI.DI.	191
•whelmed their unfortunate victim. He was thoroughly stupi-
fied for some minutes, and then, starting up with uncontrollable
fury, seked the man by the throat, and demanded how he durst
take him, among such a horde of villains, under pretence of
being his friend. Mackintosh, alarmed at this unexpected ebul-
lition of resentment, fell on his knees before Tirm in the most
abject manner, and poured forth many entreaties for mercy, and
protestations of regret.
" Answer me one question," said Grimaldi, releasing his hold;
" give me a plain and straightforward answer, for it's only by
telling me the truth now, that you can hope for any leniency at
my hands. What was your motive for taking me into the
company of these men and women, and why did they want to
have me among them:"
" I'll tell you the truth, by G-od I" replied Mackintosh, " and
without the smallest attempt at disguise. They thought you
must be very good company, and hearing me say that I knew
you, gave me no rest until I consented to take you to the house
in Charlotte-street; which I at last agreed to do, stipulating,
upon my soul, that no harm should ever be done you, and that
their real characters should be carefully concealed. Ton turned
out as they expected; they were very much delighted with your
songs and stories, and I was obliged to promise to bring you
again. And that's the truth."
Although this explanation relieved him from some very ter-
rible fears relative to the motives of these persons in seeking
his companionship, it was a very galling reflection to have been
playing the jester to a gang of robbers and vagabonds; and as
it presented itself to his mind, it drove him almost mad with
rage. Never accustomed to give way to his passions, the fit of
fury into which he had worked himself was such that it was
many hours before he recovered from its effects. Mr. Mackintosh,
with much wisdom, took himself off the moment his eonfessioa
was concluded.