“At another time,” continued Uncle Luke, “if you will come to me, I daresay I can give you whatever information you require.”
“Oh, you may rest easy about that, sir,” said the officer, half laughingly, “don’t you be afraid. But I want a few words now with this other gentleman.”
“And I say no; you shall not torture him now,” cried Uncle Luke, angrily. “He has suffered enough.”
“Don’t you interfere, sir, till you are called upon,” said the officer roughly. “Now, Mr George Vine, if you please.”
“I will not have it,” cried Uncle Luke; “it is an outrage.”
“Let him speak, brother,” said George Vine, with calm dignity; “now sir, go on.”
“I will, sir. It’s a painful duty, but it is a duty. Now, sir, I came here with a properly signed warrant for the arrest of Henry Vine, for robbery and attempted murder.”
“Ah!” sighed Vine, with his brow wrinkling.
“The young man would have resigned himself quietly, but you incited him to resist the law and escape.”
“It is quite true. I have sinned, sir,” said Vine, in a low pained voice, “and I am ready to answer for what I have done.”