“My servant here can confirm this,” added Mr. Bassett.
“It is not necessary here,” said Sir Charles. Then to the criminal, “Have you anything to say?”
“It was only a lark,” quavered the poor wretch.
“I would not advise you to say that where you are going.”
He then, while writing out the warrant, said, as a matter of course, “Remove his mask.”
The constable lifted it, and started back with a shout of dismay and surprise: Jessie screamed.
Sir Charles looked up, and saw in the burglar he was committing for trial his first-born, the heir to his house and his lands.
The pen fell from Sir Charles's fingers, and he stared at the wan face, and wild, imploring eyes that stared at him.
He stared at the lad, and then put his hand to his heart, and that heart seemed to die within him.
There was a silence, and a horror fell on all. Even Richard Bassett quailed at what he had done.