The Earl of Strathmoira applauded this explanation of the speaker's point of view. "Precisely, sergeant; I am glad to find that there is one sensible person present. This woman, who, I fancy, is one of Mr Vernon's servants, is probably not quite right in her head; she is certainly not worthy either of your attention or mine. Come, Frances, this unpleasant scene has upset you; never mind! Let's go up to the house; possibly they'll be able to tell us there what all this pother is about." West laid her hand on Mr Carter's arm. "'Gustus, don't you let him fool you; don't you let him go--don't you let him! If Mr Batters won't arrest him, you arrest him on your own; you'll be blamed if you don't! You know I'm no fool--what I tell you's gospel truth; he's wanted as much as she is--take him on your own." The faithful Carter hesitated. Drawing the woman close to him, he looked her steadily in the face; apparently on the strength of what he saw there he made the plunge, moving towards the object of the discussion with the simple statement: "You're my prisoner, my lord." The earl eyed him; then laughed. "Your prisoner, my good man--are you joking?" "No, my lord, I am not joking, I must ask you to consider yourself under arrest." "On what charge?" The woman cried out: "I charge him, if it comes to that! I charge him with aiding and abetting Dorothy Gilbert to escape, and also with being her accomplice--if you take him to the station, 'Gustus, you'll find that you've done right." The earl turned to Mr Batters. "Sergeant, will you be so good as to recommend this man to be careful what he say and does, before he has cause for serious regret." Instead, however, of doing as he was requested, the sergeant threw in his lot with his subordinate. "I am sorry, my lord, to subject you to any inconvenience; but I am afraid I must ask you to accompany us to the station till this matter has been cleared up." "Accompany you to the station! But suppose I decline?" "I regret, my lord, that I cannot allow you to decline. This matter is more serious than you appear to think. I myself say nothing either one way or the other; but I notice that you have not attempted to deny the statements which have been made against you; and I have no option but to request you to come with me to the station to permit of their being properly gone into." The earl addressed Mr Carter. "My man! take care! Let me strongly advise you not to presume to touch me!" The sergeant interposed. "If your lordship will give me your word that you will accompany us quietly to the station I, on my side, will undertake that you shall be subjected to no personal indignity; only in so grave a matter we can't take any risks; you must give me your word, my lord. Do you do so?" "Does he! No, he doesn't. Look out, 'Gustus--he's going to give you the slip." This was West, in whom the instinct of the huntress seemed to be preternaturally keen. The sergeant exclaimed: