At this point the inspector turned to Lord Barminster.
"My lord," he said almost gently, "I'm afraid I must ask Mr. Leroy to
come back with me--and at once; but for the sake of all here, it can be
arranged so that your guests shall remain ignorant. There are not many
hours before the morning now."
This was indeed true, for time waits for no man, be it spent in pleasure
or in crime. "I would suggest that Mr. Leroy and myself return to
London; and if he will give me his word of honour not to attempt any
escape, I will dismiss my men, who were sent down with me altogether
against my will."
"Certainly, you may rely on my not offering any resistance," was Leroy's
reply, with a faint smile at the idea called up by the inspector's
words. "I should like to change my things to something more suitable."
He glanced down at the velvet and lace of his King Charles costume; all
this seemed like a dream from which he must awake to find himself back
in the ball-room.
"Certainly, sir," agreed the inspector, who seemed honestly reluctant to
make the business any more unpleasant than necessary.
"I will come with you," put in Lord Barminster suddenly.
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