"Very well, take him along then. I suppose the law must take its course."
"Yes, it must."
"Very well, boy, I'm sorry you've got into such a scrape; but it's your own fault. Good morning, officer."
"You're in too much of a hurry," said the policeman, coolly; "you must go along with me too."
"Really," said the thief, nervously, "I hope you'll excuse me. I've got an important engagement this morning, and—I—in fact it will be excessively inconvenient."
"I'm sorry to put you to inconvenience, but it can't be helped."
"Really, Mr. Officer—"
"It's no use. I shall need you. Oblige me by handing me that letter."
"Here it is," said the thief, unwillingly surrendering it. "Really, it's excessively provoking. I'd rather lose the money than break my engagement. I'll promise to be on hand at the trial, whenever it comes off; if you keep the money it will be a guaranty of my appearance."
"I don't know about that," answered the officer "As to being present at the trial, I mean that you shall be."