Oswald left the hotel, returning to corner of Wall Street and Broadway. Inquiring of a shop-keeper, "Where are persons arrested in this neighborhood taken by the police?" he receives the answer:
Going there, Oswald asks about an old man, that morning arrested on Broadway, near Trinity Church.
No such prisoner had been brought to that station.
He learns there will be a session of police court that afternoon at the new Criminal Court Building. The prisoner will be there for arraignment.
Oswald takes the elevated train to Franklin Street, goes over to this building, and awaits opening of that afternoon's session.
Looking about the court-room, he sees that same innocent-appearing old chap, still expostulating with his stern captor, who soothes him with the assurance:
"Yez will warble a different chune at Sing Sing!"
Oswald decides to await the court's action in this case before making any explanations. Possibly no interference may be necessary. He observes that the newsboy is not present.
For over two hours Oswald listens to the proceedings of this tribunal. The docket is cleared of many trivial cases, and more serious matters are sent to the Special or General Sessions.
All this seems strangely offhand and informal, but he reasons that such, being of daily occurrence, sentimental scruples are in natural abeyance.
Michael Patrick O'Brien is signaled by a court official, steps proudly forward, and makes an explanation of his morning's prowess.
With skeptical smile the magistrate looks at that felonious, would-be kidnaper of a juvenile innocent, and asks for the boy.
Michael explains little Jack's sprinting performance, adding:
"It was ivident, yer honner, that the skeert child feart that owld vilyun more than the noime of the law."
Just then an officer who had been on duty near the South Ferry stepped forward and cleared the situation.
"This old man is a peaceful, respected resident, living a little way from Battery Park. He has grown sons and daughters in the city. With a score of grandchildren making bedlam at his home, it is not likely he would steal a newsboy."
The old man looked both relieved and vexed. This unexpected intervention would help him out of trouble, but he preferred not being recognized in such a rôle. At the station he had refused to tell his name or residence.