“Then the bogus collector was the thief, I suppose?”
“No doubt. He somehow secured the dressing-bag and dropped it out at a point between Grantham and Essendine—a spot where he knew his accomplices would be waiting—a very neatly-planned robbery.”
“And by persons who are evidently experts,” I said.
“Of course,” replied the grey-haired superintendent. “The manner in which the diamonds have been quickly transferred from hand to hand and carried out of the country is sufficient evidence of that. The gang have now scattered, and, for aught we know, have all crossed the Channel by this time.”
“Well,” I assured him; “I know nothing more of the affair than what I have told you. If I were an accomplice I should hardly be here—making inquiries concerning them.”
“I don’t know so much about that,” he replied, rather incredulously. “Such an action has been known before, in order to place the police upon a wrong scent. I fear I must ask you to remain here, in Stamford, until this evening, while I make some inquiry into your bona fides, sir.”
“What!” I cried. “You intend to detain me!”
“There is no indignity,” he declared. “You may go about the town where you will—providing you do not attempt to leave it. I regret, but it is my duty to ascertain who and what you are, Mr. Biddulph.”
I had given him my card, and he, seeing the look of annoyance upon my face, added—