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188 MEMOIRS 03? JOSEPH GKIMALDI.

This intelligence so amazed Grimaldi, that he fell into a chair
as if he had been shot, and it was some little time hefore he
was sufficiently recovered to resume the conversation. The
moment he could do so, he hastened to explain that he had never
supposed Mackintosh to he other than an honest man, or he
would carefully have shunned all acquaintance with him.

" He has "been anything Tbut an honest man for a long time
past," said Mr, Harmer: " still, I may say that he is anxious
to reform; and at all events, I am certain that this particular
rohhery was not committed by him."

" Good 6rod! and he still likely to be hung for it!"

" Certain," said Mr. Harmer; " unless we can prove an alibi.
There is only one man who has it in his power to do so; and
that man, Mr. G-rimaldi, is yourself."

" Then," said Mr. Grrimaldi, " you may command me."

In a lengthened and, to him, very interesting conversation
which ensued, he learned that the robbery had been committed
on the 13th of March, on the very night on which he had
played for Lund's benefit at Woolwich, and afterwards supped
with Mackintosh and Msfriends* This accidental circumstance
was of course of the last importance to Mr. Harmer's client, and
that gentleman receiving a promise from Gtrimaldi that he would
make an affidavit of the fact, if required, wished him, a good
morning and left him.

Mackintosh being admitted to bail a few days afterwards,
called upon Grimaldi to express his gratitude for the readiness
with which he had consented to give his important evidence.
The insight into the man's character which Mr. Harmer had
given him,-rendered him of course desirous to be as little in his
company as possible ; but as Ms kind nature would not allow
him to wound Ms feelings more than was absolutely necessary
in this interview (quite voluntary on Ms part), immediately
after the exposure, and as he was moreover very desirous to put
a few questions to Tii-m concerning the twelve ladies and gentle-ime, a grand ballet of action, entitled "The Ogre and Little Thumb; or,