It was the lamest of lame dogs; but he appeared satisfied. He leant back in his chair. "Oh, I see. Yes, of course. Your American experiences, I expect. Well, we can talk about that another time. I was going to say that in von Erstein we have to deal with a very cunning individual indeed, and I shall expect you to help us. One of the necessary steps may be your arrest."
"Arrest!" I echoed in dismay.
"I said arrest. It may be necessary. It is essential he should not believe that a jot of suspicion attaches to him. You'll appreciate that?"
"I can appreciate it perhaps, but——"
"Don't be alarmed. I promise you very good treatment."
"But I thought you wished——" I pulled up on the brink of blurting out about my going to England.
"No matter for the moment what I wished, my boy." I was beginning to hate that term of familiarity, for I knew now what it covered. "Everything must wait upon this now," he continued. "The arrest will not be made at once, however, as there is one thing you have to do first."
This was better. If it wasn't done at once, it never would be done, I was resolved. "What is that?" I asked.
"You must return that ring to von Erstein."
"Do what?" I cried aghast. The ring was the only evidence against him!