Johnson looked out of the window. He also was puzzled by the behaviour of Finland. On the face of the evidence against him it was impossible to doubt his complicity. Yet the minister could in no way divine the man's motive for murder. He could have had the pearls for the asking; there was no need for him to kill the poor girl. Moreover, Finland had loved her dearly; and it was incredible that for any cause he could have killed her. Yet he had sold the pearls. There could be no doubt about that; and he was the nephew of the man in whose field the body had been so skilfully hidden. How to reconcile these conflicting elements, Johnson could not see. He was still puzzling the matter out in his own mind, when Jack finished his letter with a cheery laugh.
"You'll laugh on the other side of your mouth soon," said Chard, testily.
"I guess that's my biz," retorted Finland, addressing the inspector for the first time. "'Taint my habit to squeal afore I'm hurt. Mr. Johnson, here is the letter. I'll take it kind of you if you'll deliver it to old Ramshackel as soon as you can."
"I'll see to it, Mr. Finland," replied Johnson, slipping the note into his pocket, whither it was followed by Chard with greedy eyes, "And I trust, for your own sake and your uncle's, that you will prove yourself innocent of this fearful charge."
"Well, I don't say as I haven't got an ace somewhere, sir; but it ain't time to plank it down yet. May I smoke?"
"I would if I were you," interposed Chard; "you'll not get tobacco in prison, you know."
"Nor manners either, I guess, if you're to turn the key."
Chard vouchsafed no reply, and the three waited in silence for the return of Slade. In a surprisingly short space of time, considering his errand, the constable returned in uniform with a warrant for Finland's arrest. Now that the worst had come, Jack turned a trifle pale, and slipped his pipe into his pocket with an uneasy laugh. Chard seemed well pleased.
"Take him to the lock-up, Slade," he ordered; "we'll have him up before the magistrate at Poldew to-morrow. I'll remain here; Mr. Johnson and I must have a few words."
"Come on," said Slade, now a typical Jack-in-office. He laid his hand on Finland's collar.