“It is, sir,” said the sergeant.
“The police,” said Mr. Goddard, “will be accompanied on this expedition by Miss Blow. Every effort, consistent with the effecting of the arrest, will be made by the police to protect Miss Blow in the event of riot.”
“It will, sir.”
“By the way, Miss Blow,” said Mr. Goddard, “have you got a bicycle?”
“Yes,” said Miss Blow. “I borrowed one this morning in Ballymoy. It’s in the hotel yard now.”
“It’s in the stable,” said Jimmy O’Loughlin. “I’m after telling Bridgy to give it a bit of a rub over with a soft cloth the way it’ll be decent like, when the young lady wants it.”
“Sergeant Farrelly,” said Mr. Goddard, “will now proceed to the barrack and provide himself with handcuffs.”
“Carefully oiled,” said Lord Manton.
“He will be accompanied by Constable Cole, who will remain on guard at the barrack. Having obtained the handcuffs, Sergeant Farrelly will return to the hotel and join the rest of the party. Constable Moriarty will proceed to the back yard, take Miss Blow’s bicycle and wheel it round to the front door, so that everything will be in readiness for an immediate start when Sergeant Farrelly returns with the handcuffs.”