Presently the four detectives—Meiklejohn, Druscovich, Palmer, and Clarke—were brought in. They took up their stations, and were joined by Mr. Froggatt the solicitor. Mr. Poland proceeded to state the case. After he had concluded, Mr. Superintendent Williamson was called.
It will be needless for us to give a detailed account of the proceedings, as the result has long since been patent to everybody. It will suffice for our purpose to note that Peace became on friendly and familiar terms with the gentleman who had been of such service to him. They conversed freely during the day’s examination, and when the court rose Peace asked his companion to have a glass of wine.
“Well,” observed the latter, “I don’t mind if I do; but I’ve not as yet dined.”
“Nor have I,” said Peace; “are you going to have your dinner in the neighbourhood?”
“Yes,” was the ready response.
“Well, so am I. Suppose we dine together somewhere.”
“Yes, I’ll do so with the greatest pleasure.”
They adjourned to a neighbouring tavern, where they met a friend of Peace’s companion, whom the latter introduced as a Mr. Shearman, who, it is perhaps needless to mention, was the American detective who had the charge against Doctor Bourne in hand.
Shearman had come over again to this country to “pot,” as he expressed it, a runaway Yankee, who was charged with frauds on an extensive scale.
“Mr. Shearman,” said the gentleman, addressing himself to Peace; “pardon me, but I don’t know your name. I took you for Mr. Belmore, whom I have the honour of knowing.”