The next question in the service he dispensed with. He placed their hands together, and together repeating his words, they plighted their troth. Homo leant forward and again joined their hands and a note of unexpected solemnity vibrated in his voice when he spoke.
"Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder."
Beale drew a deep breath then:
"Very pretty indeed," said a voice.
The detective swung across the window to bring the speaker into a line of fire.
"Put down your gun, admirable Mr. Beale." Van Heerden stood in the centre of the room and the bulky figure of Milsom filled the doorway.
"Very pretty indeed, and most picturesque," said van Heerden. "I didn't like to interrupt the ceremony. Perhaps you will now come into the house, Mr. Beale, and I will explain a few things to you. You need not trouble about your—wife. She will not be harmed."
Beale, revolver still in hand, made his way to the door and was admitted.
"You had better come along, Homo," he said, "we may have to bluff this out."
Van Heerden was waiting for him in the hall and invited him no farther.