“The snow detained me,” said Geoffrey slowly.
“Come in, come in, friend,” said McVay briskly. “You must be cold.”
It speaks well for the professional eye that the detective, after studying McVay for an instant, asked:
“I did not catch this gentleman’s name. Who is he?”
There was a barely perceptible pause. Then Geoffrey answered coolly: “That is the man you are after.”
“Are you crazy, Holland?” shouted McVay.
“What, the Vaughan burglar? You caught him without assistance?” Envy and admiration struggled on the detective’s countenance. “I must congratulate you, sir.”
Geoffrey allowed himself the luxury of a groan. “You needn’t,” he said; “I am no subject for congratulation. I can’t even prosecute him, confound him, for several reasons. We were at school together, and I can take no steps in the matter.”
“But I can,” said the detective; “indeed it is my duty to.”
“No,” said Geoffrey, “nor can you. This man cannot be sent to prison. Yes, I know, it is compounding a felony. Well, sit down, and we’ll compound it.”