The Boy Soldier; Or, Garibaldi's Young Captain — page 67: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE BOY SOLDIER; OR, GARIBALDI’S YOUNG CAPTAIN. ““T was.” “You did not leave with ‘a written character, I think ?” “No, I did not, sir ; for some strange and unex- plained reason, the reverend principal refused. to give me one.”’ _* “Oh! indeed!’ — “My back wages is also due; but that I do not expect to receive, for it has been said I favoured a revolt among the students, which caused much damage and disgrace to the Hall, and I do not think that the Rev. Mr. Jonathan Gravestones will ever give it to me, although I confess that a poor old pag BY mother—looks to it for her sole sup- ort.” . “T don’t doubt, young man, that all you say is true ; but no one can ever expect to do well in the world and act towards his kind master and mistress in the manner you have done to yours.” “Ihave done? What mean you?” said young Caspar, with looks of surprise. ‘ Who are you that you thus dare speak to me in such a threatening tone?” | “Oh! if you must know,” said the stranger, smiling, “I will tell you. ZI am a detective!’ he added, in a whisper. “A detective?” Caspar asked in surprise, turning pale. “Good heavens! what can you have to do with me, then?” ‘““A great deal, young man. charge of robbery !” ‘Robbery |!” gasped the young man, trembling from head to foot, “Yes, that is the charge at present; but.I dare- Bay we may find out more about you in a few days, Come, don’t stand there shaking like a leaf ; we had better call a cab, and do the thing quietly ; I shall not examine you here on the platform before all these people.” If a thunderbolt had fallen at his feet, Caspar could not have been more surprised. A cab was called ; Caspar’s trunks were placed on top, and he was just about to step into it, when he espied Marion Newman, the squire’s daughter, approaching him, with outstretched hands. ‘‘ Why, “Caspar,’”’ she said, in surprise, ‘‘ how is this? Left Bromley Hall? Come with me. Papa is on the platform. I know he would be glad to see you. tremble? What has happened ?” Caspar could not speak from emotion. , “Well, miss,” said the detective, in a subdued tone, ‘‘the case is this—this here young man is accused of robbery, and is my prisoner ; that’s how itis. I’m very sorry; butif you wish to see him, you can call any time at Bow Street, you know.” “Bow Street! Robbery! Caspar!’ she gasped. ‘Oh, do not believe it!” said Caspar. ‘‘I am innocent; it is false; some villain has laid this plan to ruin me. I am not guilty of this foul charge !”’ r By this-time a crowd had collected round the cab, but the detective hurried his prisoner away, while Squire Newman and others now stood over I take you on the his fainting daughter, unable to learn from her anything positive of all that had just. occurred. Pale, quiet, and like one in an oppressive dream, Caspar sat in the cab, and spoke not a word. He and the detective soon reached Bow Street. The prisoner was ushered into the presence of an inspector immediately, who, with pen in hand, sat at his desk, ‘‘ Who is this, Gamble ?” said he. “ A telegraphic message came this morning fom Bromley Hall Academy, sir, respecting this young Why, what makes you turn so pale and 61 gentleman, and I proceeded a few miles down the railroad to the sou’-west junction, in case he might get out there, The description given was most perfect. I did not tell him my business till I arrived in London.” * What is the charge ?” ‘“‘ For robbery, sir.” “‘ Have you searched the prisoner ?” “ Not yet, sir.”’ * Do so at once, and his trunks likewise.” In a moment Caspar’s trunks were opened, and to his horror he found several valuable articles of jewellery were concealed.among his clothes, con- sisting of diamond finger rings, and other articles of great price, ‘Ts that the property, Gamble?” the inspector asked. “Tt is, sir.’’ : “And who is my accuser ?’’ Caspar gasped, with a trembling voice, “The mistress of Bromley Hall for one, young man.” “For one? Are there any more?” “Yes ; from several articles found here, I fancy Mr. Shanks and Mr. Gravestones will be others.” “ Merciful Heaven! how could all this come to pass ?” sighed poor Caspar, his heart sinking within him. - He sank upon a bench, perfectly heart-broken, “ Madame Gravestones accuse me !’’ he whispered, half aloud; ‘‘and Shanks, too! Alas! what harm have Ieyer done to either that they should thus seek my ruin ?”’ While the inspector wrote down the charge, de- tective Gale entered the lobby, followed at some distance by the Rev. Master of Bromley Hall. “Ts that the man?” asked Gale, in a suspicious whisper, of the prim, sanctimonious Jonathan, as they both peeped in at the door. “Yes,” said Jonathan; “the cloak and slouched hat found in old Ford’s (the murdered man’s) bouse belong to him. Ican swear tothem. Question him. ‘“T will,’ said Gale; ‘‘but you stand where you are in the lobby. Don’t let him see you,” This little conversation was unheard by Caspar, who was in too great distress of mind to notice that Sergeant Gale and his late master had unexpectedly arrived, and then stood at the doorway of the charge-room, ‘Hello! what’s all this?” said Gale, as he entered the room, in an off-handed manner, to his brother officers, who had charge of Caspar. “Oh, nothing much—a runaway with his em- ployer’s property, that’s all.” ‘“‘He’s got a pretty good stock of things, I see,” said Gale, in a whisper. ‘“ Turn ’em over, Gamble, and see if you ean find a slouched felt hat and a black cloak among them,” Gamble did so. “Have you got ail your things here, young man?” Gamble asked. ‘‘T believe so, but I left Bromley in such haste I did not stop to examine them.” “T see you hayen’t a black cloak among them ?”’ ‘Then I must have left it behind,” said Caspar, carelessly. “Nor a slouched felt hat,” said Gamble._, y care- “ Nor a black mask,” Gale remar’-~ lessly. value them much now,” “Oh, as to them, I dort gmile, “I only bought said Caspar, wit asquerade ball with once, at the mens BO te in Bromley.” x “What character did you take?” Gale asked, with a pentrating look. 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