“You’re not go to London, Jenkins,” he said, “my grandfather would not wish you to go.”
Jenkins flushed an angry red, and was about to push Eric aside, when old Briggs the butler came along the passage.
“Briggs,” called Eric, “Jenkins says he’s going to London. But whatever happens he mustn’t go. My grandfather would be awfully angry if he heard Jenkins was out of the house. I can’t explain why, but you’ll know soon. Will you take him into the pantry and keep him there till grandfather sends for him?”
Now Briggs hated Jenkins, and so he was very glad to do anything to annoy him. Besides, he could see that Eric was in earnest. Taking Jenkins by the arm, he led him into the pantry. The footman was in there, cleaning silver, Eric was glad to see. Jenkins had gone perfectly white, and his knees knocked together as he walked. Suddenly Eric snatched the little black bag from his hands. Jenkins tried to keep hold of it, but Eric was too quick for him.
“Don’t leave him alone for a minute, will you, Briggs?” said Eric.
“No, sir, I will not,” said Briggs. He pushed Jenkins into a chair, where he sat looking like a rat in a trap. He knew he was found out, and that escape was impossible.
VI
HANDS UP, JENKINS
“Now for grandfather’s study,” said Eric.
He led the way along a passage, and knocked on the study door.
“Come in,” said Sir David.