All three saw it almost at the same instant. The hands of all went out toward it, but Crane's reached it first. He took it up.
"Have you any explanation to offer, Brindlebury?" he said.
"I can explain," exclaimed Jane-Ellen.
"I'm sure you can," Crane answered. "The only question is, shall I believe your explanation."
"He took it because it reminded him of me. That's the only reason he wanted it."
Crane looked from the miniature to the cook. He knew that this was also the only reason why he himself wanted it.
"Jane-Ellen," he said, "go downstairs and order the motor to come to the side door at once."
"Mr. Crane, you're not going to have Brin arrested?"
He shook his head.
"I ought to, perhaps, but I am not going to. I'm going to take him in the motor to what I consider a safe distance, and drop him."