Kindly come this way."
At the end of a small passage outside the anteroom, the door opened into
a smaller room, which at one time had been used as a study, and was
noted for its impenetrability as to sound. Here they entered; and Lord
Barminster, asking all to be seated, bade the inspector proceed with
such explanations as he had to offer.
"My lord," he said respectfully, "the explanation is a very simple one,
and in deference to your lordship, to make it as private as possible, I
have left my men outside the Castle. I, unfortunately, hold a warrant
for the arrest of Mr. Adrien Leroy on a charge of forgery."
An exclamation of horror burst from all, except Adrien and Jasper; but
the speaker continued:
"In performance of my duty, I arrest him, in the King's name." He
touched Adrien lightly on the arm as he spoke.
Lord Barminster drew a long breath, but still hoping against his better
judgment that the affair was what its originators considered, a
practical joke, he restrained all appearance of anger.
"Come," he said, "this may be an excellent jest; but whoever is
responsible for it must surely realise that it has gone far enough.
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