“No doubt about that, but we shall have enough to do to hear the evidence connected with the charge.”
“As you please, sir—you ought to know best; but I should have thought my evidence would have been needed.”
“Most certainly it will. The timely assistance you have rendered redounds greatly to your credit, Ashbrook. Everybody will acknowledge that, but there are other considerations. The prisoner has made me acquainted with other facts which have greatly astonished me. Indeed, I may say, have caused, me much anxiety. It would surprise you, I dare say, to learn who he is.”
“I know who he is, Mr. Kensett, a circumwenting, worthless young scoundrel—I know perfectly well who and what he is, sir. Don’t ee make any mistake about that.”
“You know something of his history, but not all.”
“Not all—eh? Well I ’spose not, but I know enough.”
“I say not all advisedly, Ashbrook. You must not repeat what I am about to tell you.”
“Anything told in confidence I am not likely to repeat.”
“Very well. Perhaps you have heard of a lad who was many years ago placed in the care of the late Mr. Jamblin, your father-in-law?”
“Well, what o’ that? Old Jamblin was as good a fellow as ever stepped into shoe leather, or crossed a furrowed field.”