When Jack Finland came, in answer to Johnson's invitation, he little knew the kind of reception that awaited him. He entered the study with an alert step, but the merry expression quickly faded from his face when he recognized Mr. Moss. Nor was the presence of Slade--even though in plain clothes--and his superior officer, in any way reassuring.
"That'th the gent ath thold the pearlth," lisped Mr. Moss, pointing a diamond-ringed finger at the new-comer.
"Oh! this is the gentleman, is it?" said Inspector Chard, blandly. "Come in, Mr. Finland; you are just in time."
"For what?" asked Jack, making a fight for it. He saw that he was in a trap, and, anxious to get out of it, glanced at window and door. But Chard blocked the one, Slade the other. There was nothing for it, as Finland quickly saw, but to make a bold stand and face the thing out if possible. "For what?" said he, looking calmly at the unfriendly faces before him. He felt it was well to know exactly how things stood before committing himself in any way.
"About those lost pearls for one thing," growled Slade, "and that girl's murder for t'other."
"What have I to do with either?"
"I know nothing about any murder," said Moss; "but you are the gent ath thold me the pearlth. I gave you two thouthand poundth for them. Come now, that'th tho, ain't it?"
"I'm blest if I understand what you're talking about," retorted Finland; "clap a tackle on your jaw, you measly Hebrew."
"Abuse won't do, Finland," struck in Chard; "you had better keep a curb on your tongue. It's always best to come quietly."
"You daren't arrest me!"