Hugh reflected that his movements during that time consisted of somewhat stertorous respirations on the sofa of Mrs. Belmire’s sitting room, and hesitated. But after all, he thought, he had no need to be reticent as far as Mrs. Belmire was concerned. He resented those damned descendants of Saracen pirates, though. What had they against him?
“I don’t understand,” he protested. “What have I been arrested for? It’s an outrage. I’ll appeal to the British consul.”
The youngest of the men interposed smoothly. “You do not seem to realize the seriousness of your position, monsieur. You will do well to answer the question.”
Hugh was impressed.
“Well,” he said, “I was with a lady, if you wish to know.”
“Kindly give us her name.”
“A Mrs. Belmire, an English lady.”
The three exchanged glances. The thin one shrugged his shoulders. The pleasant one smiled meaningly.
“She is known to us,” said the fat one. “Will you be so good as to tell us where and how you passed the entire evening.”
Hugh repressed his growing indignation. He answered sullenly enough: