"Yes, Sir Mark, you did," said the man respectfully; and then to a couple of policemen: "Bring them in." "The luggage?" cried Guest as he saw what was being borne in by the men. "Yes, sir," said the officer. "I stepped back to give instructions to our men to bring on everything from the carriage, and the trunks sent on to Waterloo. They must be searched for incriminating evidence. The lady's luggage will be sent back to Bourne Square at once." "The insolence of the scoundrels!" cried Barron. "My dear Sir Mark, pray get this wretched business finished." "I can save the gentleman a good deal of trouble, Dale," said the inspector in charge. "Are you addressing me, sir?" said the prisoner haughtily. "Won't do, Dale; the game's up," said the inspector, smiling. Then to Sir Mark: "I am sorry for you, sir, but this is no case for bail." "But I will be his security for any amount," cried Sir Mark, who crushed down the belief that he had been deceived. "Yes, of course, of course," cried the prisoner. "No good, Mr Dale. You can renew the application to the magistrate," said the inspector. He made a sign, and after a furious burst of protestations the prisoner gave up. "Communicate with Garner of Ely Place at once for me, Sir Mark," he said at parting. "It will be all right. Comfort Myra, and tell her it's an absurd mistake," he continued as Guest was looking at a letter the detective officer held for his perusal; and then he turned indignantly as Barron held out his hand. Sir Mark was about to take it when Guest struck the hand down. "How dare you?" began the prisoner. "Don't touch the scoundrel, Sir Mark," cried Guest fiercely. "It is all true." "You cur!" roared the prisoner. "You turn against me? But I know the reason for that: our friend the rejected in Benchers' Inn." "Come away, Sir Mark," cried Guest. "The man is an utter knave." "I will not believe it," cried Sir Mark. "Read that letter, then," said Guest quietly, "written on paper bearing your crest, from your own house, to his confederate Samuel Henderson, the printer of the forged Russian notes." Sir Mark sat silent and thoughtful in the corner of his carriage as he and Guest were driven back, till they were near the house, when he turned suddenly to his companion. "Thank you, Guest," he said warmly. "Nothing like a friend in need. Hang it, sir, I'd sooner take my ships into action again than meet my guests here at home. But it has to be done," he said, "and our side beaten. I will not believe that Mr Barron is guilty, nor yet that I could have been made a fool. The man is a gentleman, and I'll stand by him to the last in spite of all that is said against him. What do you say, sir--what do you say?" "Do you wish me to speak, Sir Mark?" "Of course." "Then I say that the man is an utter scoundrel; that you have been horribly deceived; and that--there, I am making you angry."