“O'Reardon, sir; a fellow of great 'cuteness. He's in the pay of the Castle these thirty years.”
“Might I be present at the examination? Would you ask if I might hear the case?”
The man assured him that this was impossible; and Sewell stood with his hand on the balustrade, deeply revolving what he had just heard.
“And is O'Reardon a prisoner here?”
“Not exactly, sir; but partly for his own safety, partly to be sure he 's not tampered with, we often keep the men in confinement till a case is finished.”
“How long will this morning's examination last? At what hour will it probably be over?”
“By four, sir, or half-past, they'll be coming out.”
“I'll return by that time. I 'd like to speak to him.”