"Come in, Mr. Nettles," said the dowager: "there is some one waiting here to see you."
He entered and found Mr. Winnett, a short, stout, dark-eyed gentleman, who shook hands with him laughingly as he said, "We have heard of this business, Mr. Nettles, and mean to stop it: it involves Mrs. Brown's name, you see. But she will send you with the officer in her carriage to avoid any exposure."
"Has Captain Mason been arrested?" asked Bob.
"No, but—"
He could say no more. Bob laid a hand on the broad sill of the open window, and crashed down among the running roses.
"Stop him!" cried Mr. Winnett.
"Here, my little feller!" said Policeman X——.
Bob was not short-stop for nothing. The man's heels went up as Bob leaped into the buggy and drove off, the policeman following.
"The man's a fool," said Aunt Fanny.
"You mean Nettles?"