I read it through carefully, from the beginning to the end.
"You will see," said he, "that no direct act is alleged beyond the possession of that medal."
"That is mine," said I.
"Can you prove it?" said he. "It was found in Mr. Herbert's apartments."
I thought for a moment, and with a cry sprang to my feet:
"Indeed I can," I cried; "I can prove it" And I told him how.
"Good!" he exclaimed, in a voice which topped my own; and then—
"Hush!" he whispered, in the greatest reproach; "you should have more discretion, you should indeed." And very cautiously he unlocked the door, and then flung it violently open. The landing, however, was clear.
"You see, Mr. Whitemen, there is much we have to fight against apart from the charges. There is the apparent honesty of Mr. Rookley, and moreover there is this rebellion which calls for examples, and you may add to our difficulties a Cumberland jury. You will remember that we marched out against you at Penrith, four thousand strong. That will teach you the temper of the county."
"I do not remember," I replied, "that your four thousand stayed to exchange opinions with us."