"This is Richard Markham, 'spose?" said one, advancing towards the young man.
"Yes—my name is Markham: but what means this insolent and unpardonable intrusion?"
"Intrusion indeed!" repeated the foremost of the ill-looking strangers. "However, not to keep you waiting, my young friend, I must inform you that me and this man here are officers; and we've a warrant to take you."
"A warrant!" ejaculated both Richard and Whittingham at the same moment.
"Come, come, now—I dare say you haven't been without your misgivings since yesterday;—but if young gen'lemen will play such pranks, why, they must expect some time or another to be wanted—that's all!"
"But what have I done?" demanded Richard. "There must be some mistake. I cannot be the person whom you require."
"Did you not call at a certain bankers' in the City yesterday?" demanded the officer.
"Certainly—I had some money to receive, which Mr. Monroe my guardian had paid into their hands for my use."
"And you changed a five hundred pound note? The clerk did it for your accommodation."
"I do not deny it: I required change. But how is all this connected with your visit?"