"And a pretty load on any man's conscience!" cried the virtuous Mr.
Chiffinch. "And so all this nest of assassins—"
"Sir; I did not say that. I said—"
"That is enough; we want no comments and glosses, but the bare truth. Well, Keeling, if this tale be true, you have saved your own life—that is, if your fellow murderers do not get at you again. You have been in trouble before, I hear, too."
"Sir; it was on the matter of the Lord Mayor—"
"I know that well enough. Well, sir; so this is the tale you will tell to-morrow to Mr. Secretary."
"Yes, sir, if I can remember it all."
"You will remember it, I'll warrant. Well, sir; I think I have no more questions for the present. Sir, have you any questions to ask this man?"
I shook my head. I was near sick at the torture the man was in.
"Well, sir; you may go," said the page. "And I would recommend you and your brother to lie very private to-night. There must be no more evasion."
* * * * *