“I won’t listen to nothing,” said Pepperill.
“And I,” said Pooke, “I won’t allow of no tamperin’ wi’ justice, no persuadin’ not to prosecute. We’ve had enough of these little games here. This is the third fire, and we’ll have someone punished for this if I can manage it.”
“You do not know what you are doing, uncle,” gasped Kitty, staggering to her feet.
“I reckon I know pretty well,” he answered coldly.
“You do not. You will bitterly, bitterly rue it. Do not rush on what must happen, and then tear yourself in grief and dismay that you did not listen to me.”
“Listen how she threatens. Tell’e what, Mr. Pooke, there’ll be no safety for none i’ the parish so long as she’s at large. Silence, Kitty! Neither the constable nor I will hear another word but what concerns this fire, and what will serve to convict you.”
“Did you go with the lantern all along wi’ Jane Redmore?” asked Pooke.
Kate recovered her composure, and, with a despairing action of the hands, dashed the tears from her eyes.
“Answer me,” said Pooke; “no prevarication.”
“I went out with Jane.”