"You are a noble fellow, Mr. Shelton," said the banker. "You will not find me ungrateful."
The carriage slackened its pace, and Mr. Shelton put his head out of the window.
"We are there," he exclaimed in a voice that trembled with excitement and triumph, while his manly, handsome features beamed with joy.
The carriage stopped and Mr. Shelton descended, followed by the banker, who trembled so that he could scarcely stand upon the ground.
The four officers had already descended from their vehicle and stood respectfully awaiting Mr. Shelton's approach. The empty carriage of Pratt and Colville stood in waiting before the door.
At a word from Mr. Shelton they all ascended the steps, and the detective rang a furious peal upon the bell.
The summons was unanswered. Mr. Shelton rang again and again with a like result.
"What will you do now?" asked Mr. Lawrence, in a perfect fever of dread and impatience.
"Burst in the door!" said the detective, in a ringing voice.
At the word the four officers fell to furiously with their clubs upon the door. A few moments of their impetuous battering sufficed to burst it in, and they all bounded tumultuously into the hall.