“I know nothing about it,” said Temple, hastily.

“That is too late! I have heard you charge that boy with stealing it from you. You admitted that you had concealed it in the wood.”

“That was my own property. I have been robbed of it.”

“You will have a chance to prove that in a court of law.”

“I’ll do that, if you’ll let me alone.”

“I have orders to arrest you.”

“Then you’ll have to show that you are a stronger man than I!” exclaimed Temple, with an oath, and he prepared to dash forward.

“Stay where you are, or I fire!” said the officer, sternly.

Temple looked in his eyes, and saw that he was dealing with a man of resolution. He knew something of faces, and he saw that this man would be as good as his word.

“What do you want of me?” he said, sullenly.