“There, come along, sir, and get away quietly without letting them know. It’s no use trying any dodges on, because we’ve got you, and don’t mean to let you slip.”
“Tell me at least what it means!” cried Huish.
“The big burglary last night, if you want to know for which little game it is; but don’t be uneasy.”
“My hat and overcoat,” said Huish quickly. “Get me away quietly, so that they do not see upstairs. I tell you, man, that I will not try to escape you. I have only to go to the station to explain that this is a mistake.”
“Get the gentleman’s hat and coat,” said the plain-clothes officer; and the policeman opened the door so suddenly that the maid was caught listening.
“Jane, here, quick!” cried Huish. “Tell your mistress after we are gone that I am suddenly called away on business.”
“And won’t be back to-night, my dear,” said the officer. “Now, sir, are you ready?”
Huish nodded, feeling confused and prostrated by the suddenness of the seizure. For a moment he half felt disposed to resist, but he refrained, and, stepping into the hall, the girl opened the door just as Dick came up the steps.
“Why, Huish!” he cried in astonishment.
“Hush!” cried the other. “Not a word to Gertrude. There is some mistake. Go up to your father, and bring him round to the station. It will be a question of bail, eh, constable?”