"Oh!" remarked Fanks, taking note of this injudicious speech. "That is as much as to say that you risked being arrested by me. I don't know that you are wrong, my friend. You deserve punishment for your trickery."
"You have evidence against me?"
"I have sufficient to ensure your arrest. On the whole, Hersham," said the detective, "I should advise you to help me. Otherwise I shall arrest you within the hour. Take your choice."
Before Hersham could answer this question Anne appeared at the door with a pale face and a determined manner. At once she intervened in the conversation, and placed herself between the two men.
"There is no necessity to threaten, Mr. Fanks," said she, quickly. "Come inside, and let us discuss this matter calmly. I am sure that Mr. Hersham will agree that this is the best course."
The journalist nodded sullenly, and the two men passed into the house, conducted by Anne. She led them into a room, the window of which looked on to the road, and here, when they were seated, she addressed herself more particularly to Hersham.
"You were wrong to speak as you did to Mr. Fanks," she said meaningly. "There is no reason why you or I should conceal anything. I am perfectly willing to tell all that I know--which is not much--and to afford this gentleman every information in my power."
"You will regret it if you do, Anne," said Hersham, warningly.
"You will regret it if you don't," interposed Fanks. "I really do not understand why you should act in this childish manner. I have always been your friend, yet you treat me a though I were your bitterest enemy."
"You are trying to trap me."