The name of Newcome disconcerted Mark, but he asked, "Whar's Rawdon and old Flower?"
"Didn't you see?" asked Mr. Bangs.
"I seen the fire all right, but they wasn't such blame fools as to stay there when there was a way out up atop."
"The epper wey wes clowsed," said the detective.
"Was they burned alive then?"
"Yes, they were berned to eshes."
"O Lord!" ejaculated the prisoner, and then, wildly: "What do you want along of me anyway?"
The magistrates and Mr. Bangs consulted, after which the doctor answered: "We want information from you on three points: first, as to the attempt of Rawdon's gang to burn this house; second, as to the murder of Detective Nash; and, third, as to the whole secret of Rawdon's business at the Select Encampment. You are not bound to incriminate yourself, as every word of this preliminary examination may be used against you, but, on the other hand, if you make a clean breast of what you know on these questions, your confession will go a long way in your favour with judge and jury."
"Suppose'n I don't confess not a syllabub?"
"Then, we shall commit you, all the same, to the County Gaol, to stand your trial at the assizes."