resumed her husband, 'is satisfied that she can have no
reason for being alarmed, whatever the business is.'

'Really? Is that so?' said Mr Inspector. 'But it's a sex to live and
learn from, and there's nothing a lady can't accomplish when she once
fully gives her mind to it. It's the case with my own wife. Well, ma'am,
this good gentleman of yours has given rise to a rather large amount
of trouble which might have been avoided if he had come forward and
explained himself. Well you see! He DIDN'T come forward and explain
himself. Consequently, now that we meet, him and me, you'll say--and say
right--that there's nothing to be alarmed at, in my proposing to him
TO come forward--or, putting the same meaning in another form, to come
along with me--and explain himself.'

When Mr Inspector put it in that other form, 'to come along with me,'
there was a relishing roll in his voice, and his eye beamed with an
official lustre.

'Do you propose to take me into custody?' inquired John Rokesmith, very
coolly.

'Why argue?' returned Mr Inspector in a comfortable sort of
remonstrance; 'ain't it enough that I propose that you shall come along
with me?'

'For what reason?'

Lord bless my soul and body!' returned Mr Inspector, 'I wonder at it in
a man of your education. Why argue?'

'What do you charge against me?'

'I wonder at you before a lady,' said Mr Inspector, shaking his head
reproachfully: 'I wonder, brought up as you have been, you haven't a
more delicate mind! I charge you, then, with being some way concerned
in the Harmon Murder. I don't say whether before, or in, or after, the
fact. I don't say whether with having some knowledge of it that hasn't
come out.'

'You don't surprise me. I foresaw your visit this afternoon.'

'Don't!' said Mr Inspector. 'Why, why argue? It's my duty to inform you
that whatever you say, will be used against you.'

'I don't think it will.'

'But I tell you it will,' said Mr Inspector. 'Now, having received the
caution, do you still say that you foresaw my visit this afternoon?'

'Yes. And I will say something more, if you will step with me into the
next room.'

With a reassuring kiss on the lips of the frightened Bella, her husband
(to whom Mr Inspector obligingly offered his arm), took up a candle, and
withdrew with that gentleman. They were a full half-hour in conference.
When they returned, Mr Inspector looked considerably astonished.

'I have invited this worthy officer, m