“I’ll try,” said Rawton, who at once rushed out. He brought in a lubberly boy, who was staring, open-mouthed, at the broken glass.
“It aint me as did it, sir—indeed it aint. I never heaved a stone at the window,” cried the lad, bursting into tears.
“Oh, it’s you, Jim Starling—eh?” said the clerk. “And if it wasn’t you, perhaps you can tell who did it.”
“I dunno. I heard a smash, and saw the window shivered, but I did not see him as heaved the stone.”
“Was there anyone else about besides him?” said the clerk, addressing himself to Rawton.
“I did not see anyone else.”
“This must be inquired into. It’s a most scandalous, wicked act, and you must do your best, Starling, to find out who it was.”
“Yes, I will, sir—I will do my best.”
“Am I to let him go?” said Rawton.
“Yes, I suppose so. Ah, yes, he is well known here. I don’t think he would be wicked enough to do such a thing, for we consider him to be a well-conducted lad; but as I said before, it must be inquired into. A reward must be offered, and the police must be made acquainted with the circumstance. Dear me, sir, young people of the present day are not a bit like those I remember when I was young; they are audacious, mischievous, and uncontrollable; but, as I said before, this matter must not be allowed to drop without a searching inquiry.”