“It was my duty to investigate it. But I think that a charge of unlawfully carrying dangerous weapons, which is punishable by a fine, will meet the case.” He turned to the trooper. “You will attend to the matter in due course, Constable Slade.”
Then he bowed to the company and went out, leaving Colston to deal with the situation with the assistance of his wife, who thought it desirable to break up the party as soon as possible.
“The teams must be ready, and it’s too cold to keep them standing,” she remarked.
“They’re outside,” said Colston. “We’ll be mobbed by an inquisitive crowd, if we don’t get off at once. Gertrude, bring your father.”
Gertrude led Jernyngham to the door, and Colston turned back to Prescott.
“It was very regretable,” he said. “We are grateful for your forbearance.”
Then his wife joined him, calling to Muriel.
“Be quick! The people haven’t gone away; the street’s full!”
Muriel, disregarding her, looked at Prescott, who had spoken to nobody except the officer. His face was troubled, but he made no attempt to detain her.
“I believe you saved my life,” he said. “I can’t thank you now. May I call to-morrow?”