Two well-known
criminals on board escaping New York police. Will personally lay charges
against them.--Forbes Kinney."
As soon as I could recover from my surprise, I made violent protest. I
pointed out to Kinney that his conduct was outrageous, that in making
such serious charges, on such evidence, he would lay himself open to
punishment.
He was not in the least dismayed.
"I take it then," he said importantly, "that you do not wish to appear
against them?"
"I don't wish to appear in it at all!" I cried. "You've no right to
annoy that young lady. You must wire the police you are mistaken."
"I have no desire to arrest the woman," said Kinney stiffly. "In my
message I did not mention _her_. If you want an adventure of your own,
you might help her to escape while I arrest her accomplices."
"I object," I cried, "to your applying the word 'accomplice' to that
young lady. And suppose they _are_ criminals," I demanded, "how will
arresting them help you?"
Kinney's eyes flashed with excitement.
"Think of the newspapers," he cried; "they'll be full of it!" Already in
imagination he saw the headlines.
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