“Let the charge stand. For the time being, I permit them to go on their own recognizance. I will take care of them.”
“Very well, Colonel. Will you please sign the necessary papers?”
“Yes; give them to me.”
The Lieutenant handed the Colonel a paper and a pen and the latter hastily scratched a signature. Then he turned to Kearns and the Professor.
“Come with me,” he said.
But Kearns demurred.
“Will you excuse me, Colonel,” he said; “but both my friend and myself want to go without further delay to our own place. We’ve not the advantage of your acquaintance, and I’m sure I don’t understand the meaning of these proceedings.”
“You’ve been arrested on a serious charge,” said the Colonel gravely, but with good humor, “and you’re practically parolled in my custody. I don’t see what you can very well do, except take advantage of my hospitality, or adopt the unpleasant alternative of a cell.”
“But,” began Kearns with indignation, “I must assure you that——”
“I beg you not to excite yourselves,” exclaimed the Colonel, as one might seek to quiet a fractious child. “It might be very bad for you—even fatal, under the circumstances. No one can tell what might happen, I assure you! Be content to come with me.”