“No, sir; we think not: we haven’t searched the premises yet.”
“Put him in the dock.”
“This way,” commanded the constable, and I followed him into a bare, unfurnished room, where I entered the prisoners’ dock, and leaned upon the steel rail, silent in perplexity.
In a few moments the inspector came in and seated himself at the desk, saying,—
“Now then, look alive; charge him, and get on your beat again.”
“Stand up straight, I want to take your measure,” the constable said, and as I obeyed, he exclaimed, “Five-foot-nine.”
“What’s your name?” asked the officer, looking towards me.
I hesitated.
“Give us your right one, now; or it may go against you.”
Why need I? Was it not a disgrace to be arrested? For Vera’s sake I felt I must keep the matter secret.