He thought only of how he should still keep his anger within bounds.
Morok again approached the judge, and glancing at the orphans, recommenced speaking in a low voice.

"Oh" cried the burgomaster, with, indignation, "you go too far now." "I affirm nothing," said Morok, hastily; "it is a mere supposition founded on--" and he again brought his lips close to the ear of the judge.
"After all, why not ?" resumed the magistrate, lifting up his hands; "such people are capable of anything.

He says that he brings them from the heart of Siberia: why may not all this prove to be a tissue of impudent falsehoods ?--But I am not to be made a dupe twice," cried the burgomaster, in an angry tone, for, like all persons of a weak and shifting character, he was without pity for those whom he thought capable of having beguiled his compassion.
"Do not be in a hurry to decide--don't give to my words more weight than they deserve," resumed Morok with a hypocritical affectation of humility.

"I am unhappily placed in so false a position with regard to this man,"-- pointing to Dagober--"that I might be thought to have acted from private resentment for the injury he has done me; perhaps I may so act without knowing it, while I fancy that I am only influenced by love of justice, horror of falsehood, and respect for our holy religion.
Well--who lives long enough will know--and may heaven forgive me if I am deceived!--In any case, the law will pronounce upon it; and if they should prove innocent, they will be released in a month or two." "And, for that reason, I need not hesitate.

It is a mere measure of precaution; they will not die of it.