"That you may be arrested—"
"Yes, John?"
"For—the murder of Jasper Gaunt. Oh, sir, why have you aroused suspicion against yourself by disappearing at such a time?"
"Suspicion?" said Barnabas, and with the word he rose and laying his hands upon John Peterby's shoulders, looked into his eyes. Then, seeing the look they held, he smiled and shook his head.
"Oh, friend," said he, "what matters it so long as you know my hands are clean?"
"But, sir, if you are arrested—"
"They must next prove me guilty, John," said Barnabas, sitting down at the table.
"Or an accessory—after the fact!"
"Hum!" said Barnabas thoughtfully, "I never thought of that."
"And, sir," continued Peterby anxiously, "there are two Bow Street
Runners lounging outside in the court—"