“Let him wait,” was the brief reply, as he threw his eyes over it.” Captain Bubbleton!”, muttered he, between his teeth; “don't know him.”
I started at the name, and felt my cheek flush. He saw it at once.
“You know this gentleman, then?” said he, mildly.
“Yes; to his humanity I am indebted for my life.”
“I think I shall be able to show, sir,” said Barton, interposing, “that through this Burke's instrumentality a very deep scheme of disaffection is at this moment in operation among the troops in garrison. It was in the barrack at George's Street that I apprehended him.”
“You may withdraw, sir,” said the Secretary, turning towards me. “Let Captain Bubbleton come in.”
As I left the room, the burly captain entered; but so flurried and excited was he, that he never perceived me, as we passed each other.
I had not been many minutes in the outer room when a loud laugh attracted me, in which I could distinctly recognize the merry cadence of my friend Bubbleton; and shortly after the door was opened, and I was desired to enter.
“You distinctly understand, then, Captain Bubbleton,” said Mr. Cooke, “that in accepting the bail in this case, I am assuming a responsibility which may involve me in trouble?”
“I have no doubt of it,” muttered Barton, between his teeth.