“Wa’al, my business has got t’ be attended to, an’ I don’t care who knows it,” said the farmer. “I want a warrant fer th’ arrest of that Hardy boy.”
“Then my business is the same as yours,” said the blacksmith. “We will discuss it together.”
“No, we won’t discuss nothin’. I want him arrested, that’s all.”
“Yes, yes. Of course,” said the Squire. “Certainly. I will attend to it. Now what do you charge him with Mr. Savage?”
The truth was Squire Perkfell was between two fires. He wanted to please the blacksmith, because he knew he had money, and he wanted to keep on friendly terms with Mr. Savage, who was also wealthy and a power in the community, and who was to be reckoned with on election day.
“I charge him with bein’ a burglar, an’ with comin’ inter my house at midnight t’ rob an’ steal,” declared Mr. Savage.
“Perhaps we can simplify matters” interposed Mr. Harrison. “Did he break into your house, Mr. Savage?”
“No, he come in a winder that was left open.”
“Then I think I am right, Squire, in saying there can be no charge of breaking entered against Dan.”
“No, no. You’re right. If he didn’t break any doors or windows to get in, he can’t be charged with breaking,” agreed the Justice. “To arrest a burglar, charged with breaking, entering and stealing, he must be guilty of all three things.”