"I've been suspectin' this some time, y'know," said Wimsey. "That's why I asked you two to stay to-night. We don't want to make a public row, but——"
"Gentlemen," said Melville more soberly, "I swear to you that I am absolutely innocent of this ghastly thing. Can't you believe me?"
"I can believe the evidence of my own eyes, sir," said the Colonel, with some heat.
"For the good of the club," said Wimsey, "this couldn't go on, but—also for the good of the club—I think we should all prefer the matter to be quietly arranged. In the face of what Sir Impey and the Colonel can witness, Melville, I'm afraid your protestations are not likely to be credited."
Melville looked from the soldier's face to that of the great criminal lawyer.
"I don't know what your game is," he said sullenly to Wimsey, "but I can see you've laid a trap and pulled it off all right."
"I think, gentlemen," said Wimsey, "that, if I might have a word in private with Melville in his own room, I could get the thing settled satisfactorily, without undue fuss."
"He'll have to resign his commission," growled the Colonel.
"I'll put it to him in that light," said Peter. "May we go to your room for a minute, Melville?"
With a lowering brow, the young soldier led the way. Once alone with Wimsey, he turned furiously on him.