"You must be sure, sirrah," said Roger Nowell, bending his awful brows upon him. "You cannot be mistaken as to your own dwelling. Take down his description, Master Potts, and proceed with your interrogatories if you have any more to put to him."
"I wish to ask him whether he has been at home to-day," said Potts.
"Answer, fellow," thundered the magistrate.
Before replying, Jem would fain have consulted the reeve, but the latter had turned away in displeasure. Not knowing whether a lie would serve his turn, and fearing he might be contradicted by some of the bystanders, he said he had not been at home for two days, but had returned the night before at a late hour from Whalley, and had slept at Rough Lee.
"Then you cannot tell what changes may have taken place in your dwelling during your absence?" said Potts.
"Of course not," replied Jem, "boh ey dunna see how ony chawnges con ha' happent i' so short a time."
"But I do, if you do not, sirrah," said Potts. "Be pleased to give me your plan, Master Newell. I have a further question to ask him," he added, after consulting it for a moment.
"Ey win awnser nowt more," replied Jem, gruffly.
"You will answer whatever questions Master Potts may put to you, or you are taken into custody," said the magistrate, sternly.
Jem would have willingly beaten a retreat; but being surrounded by the two grooms and Sparshot, who only waited a sign from Nowell to secure him, or knock him down if he attempted to fly, he gave a surly intimation that he was ready to speak.