Page:Buchan - The Thirty-Nine Steps (Grosset Dunlap, 1915).djvu/229

 I shook my head.

"Oh, Lord," said the young man, "this is a bit too thick!"

"Do you propose to march us off to the police station?" asked the plump one. "That might be the best way out of it, but I suppose you won't be content with the local branch. I have the right to ask to see your warrant, but I don't wish to cast any aspersions upon you. You are only doing your duty. But you'll admit it's horribly awkward. What do you propose to do?"

There was nothing to do except to call in my men and have them arrested or to confess my blunder and clear out. I felt mesmerised by the whole place, by the air of obvious innocence—not innocence merely, but frank, honest bewilderment and concern in the three faces.

"Oh, Peter Pienaar," I groaned inwardly, and for a moment I was very near damning myself for a fool and asking their pardon.

"Meantime I vote we have a game of bridge," said the plump one. "It will give