"But then I shall have to begin the world without a penny, and I am growing old," pleaded the forger.
"So did your victim; and yet his age is greater than yours. When stripping him of wealth you had no misgivings, and as you showed no mercy, neither shall we."
"Give me time to consult with my friends," pleaded Follet; but Mr. Brown was deaf to his entreaties.
"Either go with me before the commissioner, and give a title to your property, or else you go to prison and wait the return of a ship to England, where you will be tried for forgery, and probably condemned. You can take your choice—a life at the hulks, or freedom and poverty."
"This is a d——d trap!" yelled the forger, "but I will not be caught so easily."
"As you please," returned Mr. Brown, carelessly; "I have a greater desire to see justice executed on men of your stamp than to attempt to compromise matters. Come with me."
He passed his arm through Follet's, and beckoned Mike to do likewise; but before the trio had taken three steps towards the door the forger's heart began to soften.
"Am I to be locked up?" he demanded.
"Ay, in the darkest cell in the prison," returned Mr. Brown, firmly.
"One moment!" he exclaimed; "will you agree to let me go free if I comply with your request?"