“Bates,” I said, “the police are coming here for this Arab. They will be here any moment now.”
“Very good, sir.” Bates answered with evident gratification.
“But he is not to be arrested here. Mr. Edmund has particular reasons for not wishing it.”
“Oh, very well, sir.”
“Mr. Edmund is going to let him out through the cellar, into the passage. When the police call you will show them into the dining-room. In the meantime you must make it appear that the man has gone through the morning-room window. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I am afraid, Bates, it may not be possible for you to speak the precise truth about the business—to the police, I mean. Have you any objection?”
“Well, sir, as long as you and his Lordship say so, I have no doubt it is all correct.”
“That’s all right then.”
As I spoke Edmund came out of the morning-room with Jakoub.