He would give the young man in charge for stealing his watch and ring.

If he cleared himself at all, he must tell the truth.

He must tell that he had not come there to steal a watch, but to destroy Lady Lisle's letters.
"If he confesses that," said the quick-witted count to himself, "she will be doubly disgraced; if he declines to confess, I am at least revenged upon him." So, until the entrance of the policeman, the two men stood and glared at each other.
"You can save yourself," said the count, "if you will confess what you came for, and if you will write that confession down." Basil smiled contemptuously.

"Of what do you charge me ?" he said.
"I shall charge you with stealing my watch and ring," was the reply.
"Knowing I am innocent ?" "The alternative lies before you.

Confess, as I have said, and Lady Amelie suffers; deny, and you go to prison for stealing." It seemed to him far easier.