“The Duchess of Lampshire’s?” prompted Hugh.
“That’s it,” said the other. “The Duchess of Lampshire’s. It was saying that I wanted her pearls, I think, and would ask no questions as to how they were got.”
The detective grunted.
“Wanted to incriminate you properly, did they? Though it seems to me that it was a blamed risky game. There should have been enough money from the other three to run the show without worrying you, when they found you weren’t for it.”
“Wait,” said the millionaire, “that reminds me. Before they assaulted me at the Carlton, they told me the others wouldn’t come in unless I did.”
For a while there was silence, broken at length by Hugh.
“Well, Mr. Potts, you’ve had a mouldy time, and I’m very glad it’s over. But the person you’ve got to thank for putting us fellows on to your track is a girl. If it hadn’t been for her, I’m afraid you’d still be having nightmares.”
“I would like to see her and thank her,” said the millionaire quickly.
“You shall,” grinned Hugh. “Come to the wedding; it will be in a fortnight or thereabouts.”
“Wedding!” Mr. Potts looked a little vague.