“Would you like to examine the other desks, gentlemen?” said the officer.
“No, certainly not,” said the leading director sharply; “we have no wish to insult our employés.”
“Only one,” snarled Anson. “Do you call this fair play?”
West drew a breath full of relief, and glanced at Ingleborough, who made no sign, but stood looking stolidly at the officer.
“I’m quite satisfied, gentlemen,” said the latter. “There is nothing here. Do you charge Mr Anson with illicit dealing?”
“You have not searched his apartments yet,” said the chief director. “We wish to have further proofs first.”
Anson opened his mouth a short distance as his chief spoke, and closed it again with a sharp little snap.
“You wish the prisoner’s rooms to be searched then, gentlemen?”
“I’m not a prisoner,” cried Anson angrily. “I’ve neither been charged nor taken into custody.”
“Certainly!” said the director sternly. “Search Mr Anson’s rooms preliminary to his being charged and taken into custody. Mr West, go in front with the superintendent to show the way. I do not wish to make a procession, to create excitement and make us the observed of all.”