Instead, however, of doing as he was requested, the sergeant threw in his lot with his subordinate.
"I am sorry, my lord, to subject you to any inconvenience; but I am afraid I must ask you to accompany us to the station till this matter has been cleared up."
"Accompany you to the station! But suppose I decline?"
"I regret, my lord, that I cannot allow you to decline. This matter is more serious than you appear to think. I myself say nothing either one way or the other; but I notice that you have not attempted to deny the statements which have been made against you; and I have no option but to request you to come with me to the station to permit of their being properly gone into."
The earl addressed Mr Carter.
"My man! take care! Let me strongly advise you not to presume to touch me!"
The sergeant interposed.
"If your lordship will give me your word that you will accompany us quietly to the station I, on my side, will undertake that you shall be subjected to no personal indignity; only in so grave a matter we can't take any risks; you must give me your word, my lord. Do you do so?"
"Does he! No, he doesn't. Look out, 'Gustus--he's going to give you the slip."
This was West, in whom the instinct of the huntress seemed to be preternaturally keen. The sergeant exclaimed: