“Apprehension!” echoed the captain, in a voice of wonderment and terror.
“Here, sir, is your committal to Newgate. I suppose you'll not give me the trouble of using force; I have a carriage in waiting below, and request that we may lose no more time.”
“I am ready, sir,” said I, as stoutly as I was able.
“To Newgate!” repeated Bubbleton, as, overcome with fright, he sank back in a chair, and crossed his arms on his breast. “Poor fellow! poor fellow! perhaps they 'll bring it in manslaughter, eh?—or was it a bank robbery?”
Not even the misery before me could prevent my smiling at the worthy captain's rapidly conceived narrative of me. I was in no merry mood, however; and turning to him, grasped his hand.
“It may happen,” said I, “that we never meet again. I know not—indeed, I hardly care—what is before me; but with all my heart I thank you for your kindness. Farewell.”
“Farewell,” said he, half mechanically, as he grasped my hand in both of his, and the large tears rolled down his cheeks. “Poor fellow! all my fault; see it now.”
I hurried after Barton downstairs, a nervous choking in my throat nearly suffocating me. Just as I reached the door the carriage drew up, and a policeman let down the steps. Already my foot was on them, when Bubbleton was beside me.
“I'll go with him, Major; you'll permit me, won't you?”
“Not at present, Captain,” said Barton, significantly; “it may happen that we shall want you one of these days. Good-by.”