"You mean that I lie?" demanded Sam belligerently.
"Why did you assault the gendarmes?" demanded the official, ignoring Sam's question.
"We did not know they were the police, sir," spoke up Dan Davis. "We could not see plainly in the darkness under the trees. We thought the robbers had returned. We defended ourselves as best we could, sir. I am sorry we struck any of your men; it was a mistake."
The official, with chin in hand, regarded the boys thoughtfully for a minute or so.
"Your story is not satisfactory."
"I am sorry, sir," answered Dan.
"We might give you another one. Perhaps that would please you more," growled Sam, whose temper was rising.
"Oh, Sam!" exclaimed Dan.
The eyes of the official narrowed.
"I have no doubt of your ability to do so," he said sarcastically.