“Lieutenant,” curtly answered the man behind the desk. “What’s the charge?” he asked sharply, turning to the little man with the squint.
“Treasonable and seditious utterances in a public place, Lieutenant,” answered the little man glibly. “Utterances in violation of the statute and against the peace of His Majesty, the King, his crown and dignity.”
“Did you take exact note of these utterances?” asked the official.
“I did, Lieutenant.”
“Give them.”
In obedience to the command, the man gave a fairly faithful repetition of the words uttered by the Professor in the bar-room.
He who was addressed as Lieutenant looked serious.
“Your name,” he demanded of Kearns.
“Thomas Kearns,” was the answer, impressively given; “and I’m chief of detectives of the New York police.”
The Lieutenant glanced up quickly, with an astonished look.