A slight flush rose to her cheek when she saw the prisoner, and her voice faltered slightly.
"Mr. Arnold? I have not seen you for so many years that I hardly recognised you at first. You must be staying with Lady Crane; though she mentioned your name to me I never connected it with you. I am very glad to see you."
Her tone was more nervous than cordial. She introduced the other gentlemen with her to him. "Sir Henry Talbot. Captain Willoughby." Then she added lightly—
"I might have known I would find you in the children's company. I remember how fond you were of all small people."
"He's our prisoner," said Jack importantly, "and we're taking him to the policeman."
"A trethpather," put in Bumps excitedly.
"Yes, we're going to prosecute him," said Jill gravely.
Mona laughed, but Mr. Arnold looked grave enough as he said:
"Yes, I plead guilty, but I appeal to the present company that I should be let off a term of imprisonment by paying a fine."