The next thing was to try and find some handcuffs somewhere. He ought to have thought of that before.
******
The party downstairs was going very well. The conversation turned on the thefts in the neighbourhood.
"I hear that they have taken a considerable amount of jewellery," said Mrs. Brown.
Mrs. Croombe paled.
"Jewellery!" she said. "Jim! I believe I forgot to lock my jewel-case. I believe I just left it in my drawer."
He rose.
"I'll go and see, dear," he said.
He went out of the room. At the foot of the stairs was William, in a conspiratorial attitude, his pockets bulging.
White to the lips, Mr. Croombe returned to his festive board.