‘Yes,’ the latter said, ‘we have the cask, and I may say I was very annoyed with my foreman for taking it in without an advice note or something in writing. You can have it at once on your satisfying me you really are from Scotland Yard.’
His doubts were quickly set at rest, and he led the party to his yard.
‘Is that it, Palmer?’ asked Burnley.
‘That’s it, sir, right enough.’
‘Good. Hastings, you remain here with it till I send a dray. Get it loaded up and see it yourself to the Yard. You can then go off duty. You, Palmer, come with me.’
Re-entering the car, Burnley and his prisoner were driven to the same destination, where the latter was handed over to another official.
‘If Mr. Felix will consent not to prosecute,’ said Burnley as the man was being led off, ‘you’ll get out at once.’
The Inspector waited about till the dray arrived, and, when he had seen with his own eyes that the cask was really there, he walked to his accustomed restaurant and sat down to enjoy a long deferred meal.
CHAPTER VIII