"Step this way a moment, Mr. Ingham, I wish to speak to you alone."
They walked to the head of the stairs, and Ingham then asked what he wished to talk about.
"Well, there seems to be some kind of a misunderstanding at the police station," said Stokes, keeping his eyes on the ground, "and they have sent me to ask you to walk around to the office."
"A misunderstanding about what?" asked Ingham. "What do you mean?"
"Well, you know all about it," continued Stokes, in the same mysterious way.
"I beg your pardon; I don't know what you have reference to; please explain."
"Oh! you know well enough. You are wanted on account of that man you robbed last Saturday night."
"I did not rob any man Saturday night, and I am surprised that you should make such a charge against me, knowing me as well as you do," said Ingham, in an injured tone.
"I have nothing to do with it," replied Stokes. "I am simply obeying the captain's order, and I have no personal feeling against you whatever; but I have been sent to take you down to the station, and I must obey orders."
"Then you arrest me?" inquired Ingham.