"I am not here to bandy words with you, young man," he said; "I have already spent too much time in talk."
"That's what I think," smiled Al.
"I'm glad we agree upon that point. Come along."
"I am ready."
"One moment," interposed Miss March. "Won't you please tell me, sir, of what crime Mr. Allston is accused?"
"I will," the deputy replied, with a look that was very evidently intended to be languishing. "I can refuse you nothing, miss. He is accused of holding one of Rockton's most respected citizens up to public ridicule; and Mr. Marmaduke Merry is the man."
"But," interrupted Al, more bewildered than ever, "haven't I told you that I never heard of this man, Merry, before?"
"You have told me so—yes."
"Well, I told the truth."
"You will have to convince the court of that."