Parkington nodded, but did not speak.—Marbury! The one man who could prove the theft! The man who could identify Long-Sword! Why should he have come to Whitehall—and at this particular time?
"Was he not expected?" he asked, with assumed carelessness.
"No," she replied. "He likely comes to see the Governor, on business which requires his personal approval."
"I think I will hasten to Sir Charles," he said, now thoroughly alarmed.
Meanwhile, Marbury had been met, as he neared the house, by Maynadier, who had noted his approach.
"What does his Excellency want with me?" he asked. "Has it to do with the theft?"
"It has—with the theft, and something more. We will go in—the Governor awaits you in the drawing-room; he will relate the exact facts."
"Mr. Marbury," said Colonel Sharpe, laying aside the Gazette he was reading, and offering his guest a chair, "I have sent for you because I want your aid."
"I appreciate the honor, sir," replied Marbury, "but, as I am the only person concerned, I request your Excellency to let the matter rest. Moreover, the money was returned; why should it not be let rest?"
"I think you do not quite understand the situation," returned the Governor. "Let me, briefly, outline the facts...."