“I have to warn you that as things stand your position is very awkward. If you refuse to give an explanation of your movements you must expect to be regarded with suspicion—and I assure you that with us it is not a far cry from suspicion to action. In fact, the consequences may be exceedingly serious for you. There is such a thing, you know,” added the detective, adopting a more bullying tone, “as being arrested on suspicion. Come, tell me, where did you sleep last night?”
“My dear man,” said Westerham, suavely, “I have not the slightest intention of telling you.”
[CHAPTER IX
THE HIGHER BURGLARY]
Mr. Rookley swung his heavy body to and fro on his heels and toes, and pursed up his official mouth.
“Mr. Robinson,” he said, “I must warn you that you are playing an exceedingly dangerous game.”
“May I suggest,” Westerham remarked, more bluntly than before, “that you are doing precisely the same?”
“What do you mean, sir?”
“I mean that you are not keeping strictly to your duty. You seem to be taking upon yourself a great many things which it is not your business to do—certainly you are assuming a great many prerogatives that you have no right to.”