"Where is he?" I asked breathlessly.
"I have shown him into the study. He's a foreign gentleman, Mr. Owen."
"Yes, I know," I said. "But now, don't be alarmed, Browning--just stay
outside in the hall. If I ring the bell, go straight to the telephone,
ring up the police-station, and tell them to send a constable here at
once. My study door will be locked until the constable arrives. You
understand?"
"Perfectly, Mr. Owen, but----" And the old man hesitated, looking at
me apprehensively.
"There is nothing whatever to fear," I laughed, rather harshly
perhaps. "Carry out my orders, that's all."
And then, in fierce determination, I went along the hall, and, opening
the study door, entered, closing it behind me, and as I stood with my
back to it I turned the key and removed it.
"Well, M'sieur Guertin," I exclaimed, addressing the stout man in gold
pince-nez in rather a severe tone, "and what, pray, do you want with
me?"