“Go on, take the damn thing. I’ll swim the Channel.” There was no doubt about it now. She stretched out her hand to his, to the glittering thing in his palm; but her hand never reached the glittering thing. He followed her staring, terrified eyes to the door behind him. “Evening, _Mr._ Wagstaffe,” said the plain-clothes man with a grin; and he fixed a delighted eye on the glittering thing in the palm of Mr. Wagstaffe’s hand. “How’s business with diamonds to-night?” “Rotten,” said Mr. Wagstaffe slowly. “Girl’s afraid even to touch it.” The plain-clothes man was delighted with himself; he didn’t hurry; he turned to the two constables who filled the doorway behind him. “See, boys! There’s not a thief in the world who won’t take a stolen jool to show off to his best girl. That’s why I’ve kept you chasing this smart young man all evening--I knew he had it, but I wanted to catch him in _flagrante delicto_, which is Latin for making a fool of himself.” He possessed himself of the ring from the young man’s hand. “Sorry to have disturbed you, miss. I didn’t like doing it, but he was such a long time in here, and he’s given us the go-by so often, that I thought I’d come up and fetch him, as he and I are going the same way home to-night. Come on, _Mr._ Wagstaffe.” The pretty girl, who had sat like a numbed thing, stirred violently; she opened her mouth: “But----” “I’m glad,” said the cavalier sharply, “to see that you took my advice about bringing a posse with you. I’m coming.” “But I----” began Betty, incredulously, desperately. “That’s all right, miss,” the detective soothed her. “He won’t be any more trouble to you for sixteen months or so.” “Look here, I took----” began Betty furiously, as they moved to the door. “Good-night, pretty Betty,” called the cavalier of the streets. “I’m sorry about the wrong I did you at Oxford. But I’ll do you a good turn one day....” Betty rushed frantically towards them, but the detective slammed the door in her face; and through the flimsy panels she heard the gay voice of the cavalier of the streets: “Come, gentlemen, remove the body.” XII: THE SHAMELESS BEHAVIOUR OF A LORD[B] I