Having cursed Higgins root and branch, he got his second
wind and explained that he was--Mr. Maitland! Conceive Higgins' position.
What could he do?"
"What he did, I gather."
"Precisely."
"And Anisty?"
"Once loosed, he knocked Higgins over with the butt of a revolver, jumped
out of the window, and vanished. By the time the butler got his senses
back, Anisty, presumably, was miles away ... Mr. Maitland!" said Snaith
sharply.
"Yes?" responded Maitland, elevating his brows, refusing to be startled.
"Why," crisply, "didn't you send the constables from Greenfields, according
to your promise?"
Maitland laughed uneasily and looked down, visibly embarrassed, acting with
consummate address, playing the game for all he was worth; and enjoying it
hugely.
"Why.... I.... Really, Mr. Snaith, I must confess--"
"A confession would aid us materially," dryly. "The case is perplexing. You
round up a burglar sought by the police of two continents, and listlessly
permit his escape. Why?"
"I would rather not be pressed," said Maitland with evident candor; "but,
since you say it is imperative, that you must know--" Snaith inclined
his head affirmatively. "Why ... to tell the truth, I was a bit under the
weather last night: out with a party of friends, you know. Dare say we all
had a bit more than we could carry. The capture was purely accidental; we
had other plans for the night and--well," laughing shortly, "I didn't give
the matter too much thought, beyond believing that Higgins would hold the
man tight.
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