Here the shrill voice died away in a gulp, and there was a sound of blows and scuffling.
Carrington forced his way through the hedge, crying:
"Hold on! What is this about?"
At the sound of his voice the owner of elephants exclaimed: "The bobbies!" and, disengaging himself from the other, fled down the road; while his companion, who had started to follow him, was detained by Jack, who recognised his captive as none other than Richard Allingford.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded.
"Oh," said Allingford, "it's Mr. Carrington. Delighted to see you, I'm sure. Correcting that fellow. Says brother Robert stole elephant." His arrest had somewhat sobered him.
"Of course," said Carrington, "he didn't steal the elephant."
"Where is he?"
"Your brother?"
"Yes."