"I can testify to his bravery," said the girl. "Paul and I are great
friends."
A minute later, young Ender entered the presence of the trio, and
deposited a black satchel in the middle of the floor.
"I have committed a theft," said the boy, with a queer look on his
face, "and am here to throw myself on the mercy of the court."
"You speak in riddles," said Bernard. "I've been on a bully lay, as
the peelers say, and I believe have made a discovery, although it may
amount to nothing after all."
"Go on."
"I've seen the man with the red hair and beard."
"When?"
"Where?"
"Over by the depot. I saw him go into an old out-house with this
satchel in his hand."
"Indeed!"
"Go on."
"I was on the watch, and when he came out I saw, not Brother Ruggles,
but a lean old man, with white locks and beard, who seemed to walk
with great difficulty."
"Ah!"
"Indeed!"
"He hobbled away, and failed to take the satchel with him. At first I
could not believe that the sorrel gent and the old chap were the same.
I learned this by investigation. When, after waiting a spell, and no
sunset-haired gent came forth, I proceeded to investigate, and found
this satchel, which, under the law of military necessity, I proceeded
to confiscate, that the ends of justice might be furthered.
Pages:
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192