d." And he pointed to the
numerous bandages with which we had bound up his wounds.

"I was prepared to find the body of Mr. Critchet here, but not alive,"
the commissioner said. "I was told that he was dead, and that I could
find unmistakable signs of those who committed the murder, here."

"Perhaps you will give us the name of your informant. We desire to be
confronted with the man who dares charge us with assassination!"

Fred spoke with firmness, and with a degree of hauteur that was not
habitual.

Mr. Sherwin hesitated for a moment, and then stepped out of the little
room and beckoned to a police officer.

The latter did not display that degree of alacrity that one would have
suspected in obeying the summons, and upon looking at the man, I found
that he had accompanied us on our tax-gathering tours, and that he was
aware of the estimation in which Mr. Brown held us, and was fearful that
he should incur the inspector's displeasure if he manifested too great
an eagerness in our affairs.

"Michael," said the commissioner, "bring in Follet."

We started at the words, and then we saw a dark smile upon the face of
the cold-hearted commissioner, that told how keenly he enjoyed our
misery.

"If you please, sir," said Michael, cap in hand, and a beseeching glance
upon his face, "I think that Follet is lying, for I've known him for six
months past, and never saw or heard much about his habits that is
favorable."

"I did not ask your opinion or advice, sir," interrupted the
commissioner, in the same cold tone, and with a look that almost froze
the policeman; "do as I bid you, and learn to keep silent."

Michael looked as though he would like to make a reply, but fear of
losing his place prevented. He walked slowly to the door, and after a
delay of a few minutes, escorted our accuser, Follet, into the store.

The fellow's face was deadly pale, and his eyes were never once raised
during the interview. He had evidently schooled himself for the part
that he was to play, by imbibing deeply of some spirituous liquor, for
he was rather unsteady in his gait; but that might have been the result
of agitation as well as whiskey.

"Are these the two men whom you alluded to in my office this morning?"
the commissioner inquired, pointing to Fred and myself.

The scoundrel, without raising his eyes, replied in the affirmative.

"Repeat in their presence what you told me, and mind that you don't tell
two stories."

The fell