The two constables conversed apart for a little time—then one left the house. He returned with a pony-cart.
“Now, then,” said the other, addressing himself to Peace, “as you are not able to walk, my man, we’ve got a conveyance for you.”
“I’m very bad,” said our hero, with a groan.
“Can’t help that. Get up, man.”
The two policemen, without more ado, lifted up the wounded burglar, and bore him nolens volens towards the cart, which stood just outside the garden gate.
Peace was lifted into this by his captors, and the vehicle was driven towards the station. During the journey Peace whined and moaned in a most piteous manner, declaring all the way that he was an ill-used man.
After being examined and attended to by the divisional surgeon, he was locked up for the remainder of the night.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE EXAMINATION AT THE POLICE COURT.
Peace had been placed in a tolerably comfortable bed; his clothes were dried and brought into his room by early dawn. He was requested to get up; and, when dressed, was conducted to one of the cells adjoining the court, there to await his turn for examination.