On the day succeeding Raife's night excursion, having refreshed himself
by a little sleep, that had come readily after the night's adventure,
and those aids that come to a rich man in rooms in St James's, he was
planning a day's pleasure-hunting with Gilda. He was writing a note,
making an appointment, when his man, Pulman, entered and announced a
visitor. "Mr Herrion wishes to see you, sir."
"Ask him in, Pulman, I'll see him at once," said Raife.
Inspector Herrion entered, immaculately clad, as usual, but without the
drawl in his speech which he used principally at society functions, and
when he felt it would serve him in his work.
"Good morning, Herrion," said Raife, cheerily, and with extended hand.
"What were we chasing that fellow last night for? I got so keen on the
hunt, I forgot to ask what it was all about."
Herrion smiled a cryptic smile, and then said solemnly: "Sir Raife, I
want to speak very seriously to you on a subject that concerns you
deeply, and the rest of your family."
"Great Scott! Herrion, what's the meaning of this? What's it all
about? You look like an undertaker. Come, my dear fellow, what's it
all about?"
"Well, Sir Raife, I am speaking to you entirely outside my professional
capacity. If you take offence, I can't help it. I shall be very sorry,
but, I repeat, I can't help it. It is the high regard in which I hold
you and your family that prompts me to speak."
Raife laughed heartily and said: "Come, come, Herrion, you're getting
worse and worse. I shan't take offence. Sail ahead and tell me all
about it. First of all, have a drink."
"Well, I take you at your word, but please listen to me to the end."
Raife dispensed the drinks and Herrion proceeded:
"The man we chased last night was one of a gang of burglars. I had word
they were making an attempt on Gildersley House, which contains a lot of
valuable property, and there is jewellery and plate, too. I was right.
Somehow, we did not succeed in catching them. When I seized you, I did
not, of course, recognise you, and I thought you were one of the gang."