“I am the unfortunate bearer of a warrant authorizing me to search the premises known as Alder Cottage.”
“A warrant to search my house! Do you suspect us of being smugglers?—or what?”
“It is considered by those in authority that there is just a faint possibility that Mr. Lionel Dering, who lately escaped from prison, may be hidden somewhere about the place.”
Edith’s little musical burst of laughter was delicious. “Do you hear that, aunty?” she called out to Mrs. Garside, who was sitting at work in the parlour. “They positively suspect poor you and me of being two conspirators, and of having Mr. Dering hidden somewhere about us—in your work-basket, aunty, or up the chimney, or under the sofa. Is it not a charming idea?”
“My dear, I always told you that you were too much of a madcap,” responded Mrs. Garside as she quietly proceeded to re-thread her needle. “You must remember that, although this is supposed to be a free country, you are not allowed to laugh at the police.”
“But I do so enjoy being thought a conspirator. I wish we had poor Mr. Dering under our roof, don’t you, aunty? I would give very much to know what has become of him.” Then, turning to Martha, she added, “Martha, you will please conduct these gentlemen all over the house, from garret to cellar—there must be no room held sacred from them—not even our bedrooms. And be careful that you treat them with respect.”
“With the deepest respect,” chimed in Mrs. Garside, “or you may find yourself a prisoner before you are aware of it.”
“And now, sir,” said Edith, turning to Drayton, to whom this style of treatment was altogether new and puzzling, “you will perhaps oblige me by beginning your perquisition with this room,” indicating the little parlour; “after which my servant will accompany you over the rest of the house.”
“No perquisites allowed in the police, ma’am,” said Drayton, with the air of a man whose moral sense was shocked by the bare mention of the word.
“You misunderstand me,” said Edith, with a smile. “What I meant was, that I wish you to search this room first of all, as I should not like my aunt to be disturbed more than is absolutely necessary.”