Mr. Gail still seemed reluctant, as he apparently took them for robbers and dangerous rogues, so Vernon, losing patience, forced the door back and the old actor along with it. They faced the Professor in the hall and saw that he was holding an old-fashioned blunderbuss--probably a stage property used in "The Miller and His Men" and other out-of-date plays. In the distance, and sheltering herself behind her husband, was Mrs. Gail grasping a poker in her trembling hand. The pair seemed to be thoroughly frightened, and, considering the circumstances, it was small wonder that they were.
"I have sent Maria for a policeman," quavered Mrs. Gail, "and both my husband and myself are armed."
"I hope Maria won't lose herself in the fog," said Vernon good-humouredly, and in spite of his vexation at the escape of The Spider and his jackal.
"In heaven's name, what does it mean?" demanded the Professor somewhat recovering his dignity.
"Come into the drawing-room and we will explain," said Towton with some impatience, for he had small leniency for cowardice; "There's nothing to be afraid of. Mr. Vernon and I are honest men: you have got rid of the villains."
"The villains?" shrieked Mrs. Gail, trembling violently and dropping the poker.
"Maunders and Hest," said Vernon carelessly; "come in."
He preceded his friend and the Gails into the drawing-room, quite certain, from the way in which they had behaved, that they knew nothing of the wicked doings of Hest and Maunders. When the door was closed and everyone was seated Vernon proceeded to examine the actor and actress. The situation, as Professor Gail said afterwards, was highly dramatic.
"You must answer my questions frankly," said Vernon addressing the couple; "if you do not, the police may interfere."
"The police?" shrieked Mrs. Gail, turning as white as chalk.