'Or anyone else?'
'No, I took jolly good care of that.'
'On this charge he will be kept close till we can clear out of Antwerp by sea if the yacht is ready in time, or to Brussels, if only Sir Ranald would get well. But you spoke to a gendarme, you say.'
'Yes, my lord.'
'Your evidence will be wanted—perhaps you did not think of that?'
Gaskins' nether jaw dropped at this suggestion.
'These Belgian and French police are the devils to have anything to do with!' said his master; 'and my name must not be mixed up with this affair.'
'Of course not, my lord,' said Gaskins, with a cough.
'Put off your livery at once, change your clothes, and take an early train to Brussels. Keep out of the way till I send for you—and write to me your whereabouts.'
And, highly tickled by the whole affair, he gave a handful of money to Gaskins for his expenses.