“I think, sir,” added the inspector, “that the matter is such a grave one that you should at once reveal all you do know. You probably overlook the fact that if you persist in silence you may be arrested as an accessory.”
“But I know nothing,” I protested; “nothing whatever concerning the robbery!”
“But you know one of the men,” said Cross the boots.
“And the lady also, without a doubt!” added the inspector.
“I refuse to be cross-examined in this manner by you!” I retorted in anger, yet full of apprehension now that I saw myself suspected of friendship with the gang.
“Well, sir, then I regret that I must ask you to walk over the bridge with me to the police-station. I must take you before the superintendent,” he said firmly.
“But I know nothing,” I again protested.
“Come with me,” he said, with a grim smile of disbelief. “That you’ll be compelled to prove.”