“He undoubtedly enticed us here for the purpose of robbery,” said Senator Banning; “and the sooner we land him in jail the better.”
“If you’ll let me explain——” began Farrington, whose bedraggled appearance was little calculated to inspire confidence.
“We’ve already had too many explanations!” declared Mrs. Banning. “In all my visits to jails and penitentiaries I’ve rarely seen a man with a worse face than the prisoner’s. I shouldn’t be at all surprised if he turned out to be a murderer.”
“Rubbish!” sniffed Miss Collingwood. “He looks like somebody’s chauffeur who’s been joy-rolling in the mud.”
The truth would never be believed. Farrington resolved to lie boldly.
“I was on my way to Lenox and missed the road. I entered these grounds merely to make inquiries and get some gasoline. This man you call Gadsby assaulted me and dragged me in here; and, as I have nothing to do with any of you or your troubles, I protest against being detained longer.”
Gadsby’s derisive laugh expressed the general incredulity.
“You didn’t say anything to me about gasoline! You were prowling round the house, and when I nabbed you you tried to bolt. I guess we’ll just hold on to you until we find out who sent all those fake telegrams.”
“We’ll hold on to him until we find out who’s kidnapped Arabella!” declared Mrs. Banning.
“That’s a happy suggestion, Fanny,” affirmed the Senator, for the first time relaxing his severity toward his wife.