The search for the man who had escaped through the narrow passage was continued for several days, but without success. In the meantime Henry was held without examination.
But at last he was told that he was appear before General Murray and a board of officers, and the next day he was marched off to where the general and his staff had their headquarters.
He could not help feeling nervous, and when he saw the general and his fellow officers, sitting at a long table, each in full uniform, his peace of mind was not increased.
“Henry Morris, you are charged with attempted robbery,” said one of the officers. “General Murray wishes to hear what you have to say for yourself. Tell your story in as few words possible.”
As well as he was able, Henry told of his duty as a guard, told of what Prent had said to him, and of how he had followed the soldier to the cellar and tried to get him to come away without taking anything. Then he spoke of the alarm, and of how Prent had knocked him from the stairs, and of how the officer of the guard had come and placed him under arrest.
The officers listened in silence, each watching his face closely. All were evidently impressed by his sincerity.
“Do you not know it was your duty to report Prent when you saw him go into the building?” questioned General Murray.
“I wanted to make sure of what he was doing, sir. Besides, I didn’t want to see him turn thief and be hanged for it.”
Henry was then removed, and Prent was called in, followed by Fenley and Harkness. All three of the conspirators told of how they had suspected Henry for several nights and of how they had seen him on one occasion carrying away something bulky under his coat.
“Why did you not have him searched?” questioned General Murray.