“This is outrageous!” exclaimed Kearns, his anger rising. “Your behavior, sir, is infamous. If you occupied a similar position in the city to that which you do here, I would have you brought up on charges and reduced to the ranks for such conduct.”
The Lieutenant paid no heed to this outbreak.
“Your residence?” he demanded in formal tones.
Before Kearns could reply, the door of the station-house was thrown hurriedly open and a tall, portly man, with red face, iron gray hair and side whiskers, bustled in. The Lieutenant turned his eyes toward the new-comer and then raised his hand in military salute.
“Are these the prisoners?” asked the arrival, walking over to the desk.
“Yes, Colonel,” answered the Lieutenant.
“They were found on my estate?”
“No, Colonel; they were arrested at Tomlinson’s.”
“I understand; but they were originally found on my lands.”
“That I know nothing about, Colonel. I——”