“I don’t know, sir.”
“Who was with you on this job?”
“Some boy friends. I’d rather not tell their names. I want to be responsible for the whole thing myself.”
“I see. Shielding your accomplices in crime. A very mistaken idea of magnanimity. But if you want to bear the brunt of this thing I’ll accommodate you.”
The flush in the big man’s face grew deeper, and there was a perceptible note of anger in his voice. The outlook was indeed menacing.
“I want to bear the brunt of it,” replied Hal.
“Very well!” Mr. Barriscale picked up a paper-knife and tapped on the table with it as he spoke, apparently for the purpose of emphasizing his words. “You admit that you entered my lawn under cover of darkness, without permission, for the purpose of removing my property?”
“Yes, sir!”
“And that you did take the marble figure from my fountain and carry it away and break it?”