Kearney had transshipped to a taxicab, which accounted for his earlier arrival.
“Who’s in charge here?” cried Mrs. Burton, sweeping into the room with all sails set and drawing to the storm.
“I am,” replied Captain Stone, none too pleasantly as the gold lorgnettes were waved under his nose.
“Well, I came for my niece––produce her at once,” insisted the panting woman.
“You’ll have to wait a few minutes,” answered Captain Stone, grimly. “We’re otherwise engaged at present.”
“But I have a warrant––I’ve ordered Mr. Gladwin’s arrest!” she shrilled.
“We’ll attend to that later,” snapped the captain. “We’re looking for a thief who broke in here to-night.”
“A thief!” exclaimed Mrs. Burton. “Well, I saw him.”
“What?” asked the amazed officer.