Page:Guy Boothby--A Bid for Fortune.djvu/259

Rh, handing him the letter to read. He perused it without further remark, and when he had done so, sat drumming with his fingers upon the table in thought.

"We'll have to look in your own house for the person who has given us away, Mr. Wetherell! "he said at last. The folk who are running this affair are as cute as men are made nowadays; it's a pleasure to measure swords with them."

"What do you think our next move had better be?"

"Get home as fast as we can. I'll return with you and we'll talk it over there. It's no use our remaining here."

We accordingly went on deck, and descended to our boat again. This time the inspector accompanied us, while the police boat set off down the harbour on other business. When we had seen them push off and pull out into the darkness, we threw the imitation money overboard, set off for the shore, landed where we had first embarked, and then walked up to Mr. Wetherell's house. It was considerably after twelve o'clock by the time we reached it, but the butler was still sitting up for us. His disappointment seemed very keen when he saw that we had returned without his young mistress. He followed us up to the study with spirits and glasses, and then at his master's instruction went off to bed.

"Now, gentlemen," began Mr. Wetherell, when the door had closed upon the servant, "let us discuss this matter thoroughly. But before we begin let me offer you cigars."

The inspector took one, but I declined, stating that I preferred a pipe. But my pipe was in my bedroom, which was on the other side of the passage, so I asked them to wait for me while I went to fetch it. They promised to do so, and I left the room, shutting the