Then he turned, touched his hat to the gentlemen, who stood regarding him attentively, and said:
"My name's Dockett, gentlemen—Detective Dockett."
The captain made a gesture of assent.
"Please not to mention that I'm here, gentlemen," said the detective. "I'd like to walk round quietly a bit before the yokels gets the scent of it."
"Certainly," said Mr. Thaxton, gravely. "Any assistance I can be to you, I shall be glad to render. My name is Thaxton, and I am Mrs. Mildmay's solicitor."
The detective touched his hat again.
"Thank you, sir," he said. "I think I'd like a light trap in a quarter of an hour, and a smart chap who could show me the way to Coombe Lodge."
"Lord Lackland's?" said the captain.
"The nearest magistrate," said the detective.
The captain glanced at Mr. Thaxton.