"It's not so ridiculous," answered the policeman, scrutinizing the speaker with sudden suspicion. "I am not sure but the boy is right."
"I'm willing to let the matter drop," said the pickpocket, magnanimously; "as he didn't succeed in getting my money, I will not prosecute. You may let him go, Mr. Officer."
"Not so fast," said the policeman, his suspicions of the other party getting stronger and more clearly defined. "I haven't any authority to do as you say."
"Very well, take him along then. I suppose the law must take its course."
"Very well, boy, I'm sorry you've got into such a scrape; but it's your own fault. Good morning, officer."
"You're in too much of a hurry," said the policeman, coolly; "you must go along with me too."
"Really," said the thief, nervously, "I hope you'll excuse me. I've got an important engagement this morning, and--I--in fact it will be excessively inconvenient."
"I'm sorry to put you to inconvenience, but it can't be helped."
"It's no use. I shall need you. Oblige me by handing me that letter."
"Here it is," said the thief, unwillingly surrendering it. "Really, it's excessively provoking. I'd rather lose the money than break my engagement. I'll promise to be on hand at the trial, whenever it comes off; if you keep the money it will be a guaranty of my appearance."
"I don't know about that," answered the officer "As to being present at the trial, I mean that you shall be."
"There's one little matter you seem to forget," said the officer; "your appearance may be quite as necessary as the boy's. It may be your trial and not his."
"Do you mean to insult me?" demanded the pickpocket, haughtily.
"Not by no manner of means. I aint the judge, you know. If your story is all right, it'll appear so."
"Of course; but I shall have to break my engagement."
"Well, that can't be helped as I see. Come along, if _you_ please."
He tucked one arm in that of the man, and the other in Ben's, and moved towards the station-house. Of the two Ben seemed to be much the more unconcerned. He was confident that his innocence would be proclaimed, while the other was equally convinced that trouble awaited him.
"Well, boy, how do you like going to the station-house?" asked the policeman.