The key was found, and the interior of the car exposed to the light of a lantern. And at the extremity of the car could be seen a vague mass, a collection of limbs and clothes on the floor.
“Get in,” said Carpentaria, “and see what that is.”
The next moment two men were dragged out of the car in a state of stupor. One was the Soudanese entitled “Spats,” who had become Ilam’s bodyguard, and the other wore the uniform of an automobile driver.
“Who is this?” Carpentaria asked.
“It looks precious like Pratt, the man as usually drives this car, sir,” answered the doorkeeper.
All the attendants in the place had now gathered round.
CHAPTER XXII—Carpentaria as Detective
You will now relate to me, as accurately as you can,” said Carpentaria somewhat peremptorily to Pratt the chauffeur, “exactly what were the circumstances which led to your ceasing to be master of your car.”