"You believe, then, there is such a man as Roland Reed?"
"There may be a man who calls himself such."
"If there is such a man, he is a thief."
"It may be so, but that does not necessarily implicate Luke."
"He would be a receiver of stolen property."
"Not knowing it to be such."
"At all events, I feel amply justified in causing the arrest
of Luke Larkin on his own statement."
"Surely you don't mean this?" exclaimed Mrs. Larkin, in dismay.
"Don't be alarmed, mother," said Luke, calmly. "I am innocent
of wrong, and no harm will befall me."
CHAPTER XII
LUKE AS A PRISONER
Prince Duncan, who was a magistrate, directed the arrest of
Luke on a charge of robbing the Groveton Bank. The constable
who was called upon to make the arrest performed the duty
unwillingly.
"I don't believe a word of it, Luke," he said. "It's perfect
nonsense to say you have robbed the bank. I'd as soon believe
myself guilty."
Luke was not taken to the lock-up, but was put in the personal
custody of Constable Perkins, who undertook to be responsible
for his appearance at the trial.
"You mustn't run away, or you'll get me into trouble, Luke,"
said the good-natured constable.
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