CHAPTER XXXVI COLONEL RICHARD OWEN

At this moment a boy of fifteen made his way from the street to the rear entrance. It was Arthur Waters, the son of a jeweler.
“Perhaps I can tell you something about it,” he said.
“Last night I heard a noise in the street, and, getting up, I went to the window. I saw a lot of men filing through the street, all wearing masks.”
“They must have been in search of the prisoners to lynch them!” said the lawyer, turning pale.
“And you think they broke open the doors, Mr. Barry?”
“Yes.”
“And what would they do with the prisoners?”
“Hang them, I fear, without judge or jury.”
“I don't mind the man, sir, but I hope the boy escaped.”
“Thank you, constable¹. I am alive and well, as you see.”
Both the lawyer and the constable looked up, and there, to their great relief, stood Walter.
“Where did you come from?” asked the lawyer quickly.
Walter told his story, adding: “Constable Stokes, I give myself into your hands.”
“Perhaps, as I am his counsel,” said the lawyer, “I had better take him with me.”
“Yes, that will be the best way,” said the constable.
Walter was ushered² into the office of the lawyer.
At this moment the office door opened, and an old gentleman entered.
The lawyer rose from his seat with alacrity³.
“Colonel Owen,” he exclaimed, “I am glad to see you.”
“Yes, sir. I received your telegram, and came by the first morning train. So the man who stole my horse has been caught?”
“The man who is charged with the theft has been caught,” said Mr. Barry.
“Mr. Barry, you have not introduced me to this young gentleman,” continued Colonel Owen, eyeing Walter with favor.
“I didn't know that you would care for an introduction,” said the lawyer demurely⁴.
“Why not?” asked the old gentleman, opening his eyes in surprise.
“Because he is the horse thief!”

1 constable   

n.(英国)警察，警官

参考例句：

• The constable conducted the suspect to the police station.警官把嫌疑犯带到派出所。
• The constable kept his temper,and would not be provoked.那警察压制着自己的怒气，不肯冒起火来。

2 ushered   

v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• The secretary ushered me into his office. 秘书把我领进他的办公室。
• A round of parties ushered in the New Year. 一系列的晚会迎来了新年。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 alacrity   

n.敏捷，轻快，乐意

参考例句：

• Although the man was very old,he still moved with alacrity.他虽然很老，动作仍很敏捷。
• He accepted my invitation with alacrity.他欣然接受我的邀请。

4 demurely   

adv.装成端庄地，认真地

参考例句：

• "On the forehead, like a good brother,'she answered demurely. "吻前额，像个好哥哥那样，"她故作正经地回答说。 来自飘（部分）
• Punctuation is the way one bats one's eyes, lowers one's voice or blushes demurely. 标点就像人眨眨眼睛，低声细语，或伍犯作态。 来自名作英译部分