They had almost reached it when, as they were turning a sudden corner, they were met by a man—evidently a gentleman, from his dress and appearance.
An expression of gladness lighted Ben's features.
"You, Mr. Kingsley!" he exclaimed. "May I have a word with you?"
The gentleman, handsome in appearance as Apollo, paused.
"What's the matter, Mauprat?" he asked.
Then turning to the policemen:
"Not a drunk and disorderly, is it?"
"Worse than that, sir," answered the man who had performed the arrest. "He tried to kill his wife and child. Shot at her in my presence."
"Why, how was that, Ben? You see, the man is in my employ, and I am naturally interested in him."
"Will you come to the station house with us, sir, if there is anything you wish to ask?" said one of them. "He has proven himself a dangerous customer, as you can see by that cut over my eye, and I want to get him locked up before I am forced to crack his skull."