Mr. Kensett took a volume from his book-case, which he consulted as to the law in such cases.
“What have you to say to the grave charge preferred against you, young man?” said the magistrate, addressing himself to the prisoner.
“I deny it in toto,” said Sutherland, in an indignant tone. “It is utterly false. I have changed a cheque, it is true. That I do not for a moment dispute; but as to tampering with it I do not admit.”
“Well, if you are innocent, I hope and trust you will be able to prove such to be the case; but you will have to be detained.”
“Detain an innocent man! It’s most unjust!” ejaculated the prisoner.
“Of that I am the best judge,” quietly observed the magistrate. “If you had been innocent it is not at all likely you would have made such a desperate attempt to escape. However, I should be sorry to prejudge the case, and shall, therefore, forbear from making any further observations. Mr. Todd, you will have to bring this young man to the court by ten o’clock to-morrow morning, and be prepared with what evidence you can by that time. Enough must be procured to justify a remand, do you understand?”
“I quite understand your worship.”
“Am I to be locked up till that time, sir?” said Sutherland.
“Certainly, you must remain in custody till the morning.”
Sutherland approached the table, and taking a pen between the tips of his fingers, wrote two words upon a slip of paper.