“I see no other course open to me,” replied Drummond. “It will be quite a cause célèbre, and ought to do a lot to edify the public.”
The sudden opening of the door made both men look round. Then Drummond bowed, to conceal a smile.
“Just in time, Miss Irma,” he remarked, “for settling day.”
The girl swept past him and confronted Peterson.
“What has happened?” she panted. “The garden is full of people whom I’ve never seen. And there were two men running down the drive covered with weeds and dripping with water.”
Peterson smiled grimly.
“A slight set back has occurred, my dear. I have made a big mistake—a mistake which has proved fatal. I have under-estimated the ability of Captain Drummond; and as long as I live I shall always regret that I did not kill him the night he went exploring in this house.”
Fearfully the girl faced Drummond; then she turned again to Peterson.
“Where’s Henry?” she demanded.
“That again is a point on which I am profoundly ignorant,” answered Peterson. “Perhaps Captain Drummond can enlighten us on that also?”