"Only as to the assault, sir; not as to the theft. Please question him, sir, to finish this business."
"I will! Ben, who stole the fruit and nuts from my carriage?"
Ben dug his hands into his pockets and turned sullenly away.
"Did this poor boy steal them? For if I find he did, I will send him to prison. And I know you wouldn't like to see an innocent boy sent to prison. So tell me the truth. Did he, or did he not, steal the articles in question?"
"He did not; not so much as one of them," replied the younger Burghe.
"Did Alfred take them?"
Ben was sullenly silent.
"Did Alfred take them?" repeated Mr. Middleton.
"I won't tell you! So there now! I told you that fellow didn't! but I won't tell you who did! It is real hard of you to want me to tell on my own brother!" exclaimed Master Ben, walking off indignantly.
"That is enough; indeed the finding of the articles upon Alfred's person was enough," said Mr. Middleton.