“Now, my opinion is—and probably you know more about it than I do—that the gentleman who went through your things was looking for some special thing. I say a ‘gentleman’ advisedly, for valets of the description that you have got do not make mistakes on that score. “Of course,” Mr. Rookley droned on,[Pg 103] “gentlemen sometimes do wild things. I have known a few in my time. Maybe there was some quarrel about some lady. Maybe you have taken something belonging to some lady which the other gentleman thought you should not have taken. For the moment we really do not suspect anything more serious, though naturally we are making inquiries.” [Pg 103] “I trust they will prove satisfactory,” said Westerham. “You may rest assured they will, sir,” snapped Mr. Rookley. “We seldom fail. Of course, it is open to us to put what construction we like upon this matter if you do not choose to explain. “There is the beginning of many big affairs in such a comparative trifle as this. Why not, for your own sake, and for our sakes, tell us all about it? “I have to warn you that as things stand your position is very awkward. If you refuse to give an explanation of your movements you must expect to be regarded with suspicion—and I assure you that with us it is not a far cry from suspicion to action. In fact, the consequences may be exceedingly serious for you. There is such a thing, you know,” added the detective, adopting a more bullying tone, “as being arrested on suspicion. Come, tell me, where did you sleep last night?” “My dear man,” said Westerham, suavely, “I have not the slightest intention of telling you.” [Pg 104] [Pg 104] CHAPTER IXTHE HIGHER BURGLARY THE HIGHER BURGLARY Mr. Rookley swung his heavy body to and fro on his heels and toes, and pursed up his official mouth. “Mr. Robinson,” he said, “I must warn you that you are playing an exceedingly dangerous game.” “May I suggest,” Westerham remarked, more bluntly than before, “that you are doing precisely the same?”
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