“You can have as much as you like, sir, as soon as the matter is brought before the magistrates. We must first of all hear what Mr Ingleborough has to say. Now, sir, have the goodness to tell us everything you know about this business.”
Ingleborough made his statement perfectly clearly, and it was listened to in silence, and the diamonds were produced.
Afterwards the three directors spoke together in a low tone of voice for a few minutes, ending by turning to Anson to tell him that he must consider himself for the present as suspended from all further duty in connection with the company’s business.
“We have no desire to proceed to extremities, Mr Anson,” he said in conclusion, “and every opportunity will be given you to clear yourself; but in the meantime you must consider yourself under supervision, and your lodgings will be searched.”
“I protest, sir,” cried the young man warmly. “You have no right to order such a thing to be done without magisterial authority.”
“Then we will assume the right, Mr Anson, as it is a question of our property being stolen by our black employés and finding a purchaser in one of our clerks. Mr West, as the superintendent is keeping an eye upon Anson, I presume he is here?”
“I passed him at the door as I came in, sir,” answered West.
“Have the goodness to call him in.”
Anson winced; but he faced the tall stern-looking officer of police as he entered and heard the reason for his being called in.
“Then you wish a search to be made, gentlemen?” said the superintendent.