CHAPTER VII
THE DETECTIVE
The two men looked at one another, Jennings searchingly, and Cuthbert with a look of mingled amazement and indignation. They were rather like in looks, both being tall, slim and fair-haired. But Mallow wore a mustache, whereas the detective, possibly for the sake of disguising himself on occasions, was clean-shaven. But although Jennings' profession was scarcely that of a gentleman, he looked well-bred, and was dressed with the same quiet taste and refinement as characterized Mallow. The public-school stamp was on both, and they might have been a couple of young men about town discussing sport rather than an officer of the law and a man who (it seemed from Jennings' hints) was suspected of complicity in a crime.
"Do you mean this for a jest?" said Cuthbert at length.
"I never jest on matters connected with my profession, Mallow. It is too serious a one."
"Naturally. It so often involves the issues of life and death."
"In this case I hope it does not," said Jennings, significantly.
Cuthbert, who was recovering his composure, sat down with a shrug. "I assure you, you have found a mare's nest this time. Whatever my follies may have been, I am not a criminal."
"I never thought you were," rejoined the other, also taking a seat, "but you may have become involved with people who are criminals."