“Thence, by tram or ’bus, over Westminster Bridge,” murmured Hines, as we all rose, shook ourselves, and prepared to descend.
“Well, all’s well that ends well,” cried Thompson. “But, all the same, I rather regret, for all our sakes, the Monte Carlo business was left untried.”
“Some other day, sir,” said Brentin; “some other day, when you are enjoying your well-earned retirement, and an officer not quite so plaguy sharp is in your place.”
The pleased detective walked jauntily on in front with the rest, while Brentin, my sister, and I followed, Lucy clinging fondly to my arm.
“But what are you going to do with him?” I whispered. “It is ingenious to let him suppose the thing has not been done; but once he gets on board the yacht he’s bound to discover all, and that he’s been fooled again. Then it will be all up, indeed!”
“Some of you must take him home overland, on the pretence there isn’t room for every one on the Amaranth.”
“But he must find it all out directly he gets to England, mustn’t he?” said Lucy, softly.
“I hope to goodness he won’t come trooping over to Medworth Square,” my sister observed. “I shall never hear the last of it from Frank. And, after all, I’ve done nothing, have I?”
“True, O queen!” muttered Brentin, knitting his brows. “But by the time he gets back the scent will be fairly cold. And the Casino authorities are taking the sensible course of ignoring the whole affair. That is so, isn’t it? No doubt, you’ve seen the papers.”
Yes, I said, I had, and that was their line.