“I believe you are going on the road with your play, Mr. Merriwell?” said the sergeant, in a most friendly and affable manner.
“I am,” answered Frank, “if I succeed in getting started.”
“How is that?”
“Well,” smiled Merry, “I was due to take a train in one hour and thirty minutes when I was accosted by the unknown woman whom it is said I insulted. I hardly think I shall be able to catch that train now.”
The sergeant looked at his watch.
“How much time have you now?” he asked.
Frank consulted his timepiece.
“Just forty-one minutes,” he said.
“Will you kindly tell me what occurred on the street?” invited the sergeant. “But wait—first I wish to know who witnessed this assault.”
There was some hesitation as the official behind the desk looked the assembled crowd over.