“For the burglary of the church.”
“A false accusation,” exclaimed Marlowe.
“Good!” responded Eliot.
“And who here has authority to take the oath which must be affixed to the statement of thy proposed witness?” inquired Tamworth.
“That is a matter easily attended to,” answered Eliot. “A justice is not far distant. We can attend before him; or if you prefer, send one of your friends for him. Here is the statement.”
Throwing back his heavy cloak with these words, the barrister drew from his pocket a white roll. He then thrust his gloves under his belt, and spread out the paper upon the table.
“Have you a quill and ink here?” he asked.
“I have,” answered Tamworth, “but what is the character of this written statement?”
“See for thyself; and you,” he continued, directing his eyes upon Peele, “can you not go to the justice at the corner of this street and the Poultry, and bring him here, or if he refuses to stir abroad at this late hour, demand that he light his candle and wait our presence?”
“You are in haste,” remarked Tamworth, “and not at all diffident in making requests of strangers.”