Mr. P. Foreman was a private detective, but he certainly spoke like a gentleman. Throughout the interview he had conducted himself with moderation; there was even a sadness in his manner which, now that so reasonable a course was suggested, impressed itself upon Arthur.
"He shrank back as Arthur approached."
"I am quite willing," he said, "to do what you ask, though I dispute your right, mind."
"I understand that," said Mr. P. Foreman.
"It is only," continued Arthur, "because I am to be married in the morning, and wish to spare a young lady's feelings, that I submit."
There was a deeper sadness in Mr. P. Foreman's voice as he observed, "To be married in the morning! I must be mistaken.". He took a step towards the door.
"No, you don't go now," exclaimed Arthur. "I insist upon your stopping, and being completely satisfied. There's my coat. Search the pockets."
But Mr. P. Foreman would not touch the garment. "If you insist," he said, you must go through the formality yourself. I should be ashamed to have a hand in it."
"You are a good fellow, after all," said Arthur, with a great sigh of relief. Will you have a glass of champagne?"
"Thank you," said Mr. P. Foreman. Arthur filled two glasses. "Your health," he said.
"Your health," said Mr. P. Foreman. "Allow me to wish you joy and happiness."
"Now you shall see," said Arthur, in a gay tone. "Come a little nearer; I might be a master of legerdemain."
A melancholy smile crossed Mr. P. Foreman's mouth, and he stood, apparently unconcerned, while Arthur turned out the pockets of his waiscoat and trousers.
"Nothing there," he said.
"Nothing there," said Mr. P. Foreman, and again moved towards the door.
"Stop a moment," said Arthur, "there is my coat."
He turned out the pockets upon the table; from the breast pocket he produced the bank notes he had received from his friend, Jack Stevens; from the tail pockets a handkerchief and gloves. Nothing more. He laughed aloud, and lifted the handkerchief from the table. The laugh was frozen in his throat. As he lifted the handkerchief there fell from it a jewelled brooch, the device a stile of gold, with three birds perched thereon, one of sapphires, one of rubies, one of brilliants.
"My God!" he gasped, and sank into a chair.
Mr. P. Foreman did not break the silence that ensued. With sad eyes he gazed upon the crushing evidence of guilt. At length Arthur found his voice.
"You do not, you cannot," he cried in an agonised tone, "believe me guilty!"
Mr. P. Foreman uttered no word. Arthur's face was like the face of death. A vision of his ruined life rose before him, and in that vision the image of his fair young bride, stricken with despair.
"What am I to do?" moaned the unhappy man. "What am I to do? As I
