nearly eleven o'clock! Send him in
directly he arrives. Hark! What bell is that?"

"Front door, sir."

"Go down and answer it then, and if it should be the Commissioner of
Police show him up here at once."

As it turned out it was not the Commissioner of Police, but an
Inspector.

"Good-evening," said Mr. Wetherell. "You have come from Government
House, I presume?"

"Exactly so, sir," replied the Inspector. "His Excellency gave us some
particulars and then sent us on."

"You know the nature of the case?"

"His Excellency informed us himself."

"And what steps have you taken?"

"Well, sir, to begin with, we have given orders for a thorough search
throughout the city and suburbs for the tutor and the sham nobleman, at
the same time more men are out looking for the real Lord Beckenham. We
are also trying to find your coachman, who was supposed to have driven
Miss Wetherell away from Government House, and also the carriage, which
is certain to be found before very long."

He had hardly finished speaking before there was another loud ring at
the bell, and presently the butler entered once more. Crossing to Mr.
Wetherell, he said--

"Two policemen are at the front door, and they have brought Thompson
home, sir."

"Ah! We are likely to have a little light thrown upon the matter now.
Let them bring him up here."

"He's not in a very nice state, sir."

"Never mind that. Bring him up here, instantly!"

Again the butler departed, and a few moments later heavy footsteps
ascended the stairs and approached the study door. Then two stalwart
policemen entered the room supporting between them a miserable figure in
coachman's livery. His hat and coat were gone and his breeches were
stained with mud, while a large bruise totally obscured his left eye.

"Stand him over there opposite me," said Mr. Wetherell, pointing to the
side of the room furthest from the door. The policemen did as they were
ordered, while the man looked more dead than alive.

"Now, Thompson," said Wetherell, looking sternly at him, "what have you
got to say for yourself?"

But the man only groaned. Seeing that in his present state he could say
nothing, I went across to the table and mixed him a glass of grog. When
I gave it to him he drank it eagerly. It seemed to sharpen his wits, for
he answered instantly--

"It wasn't my fault, sir. If I'd only ha' known what their game was I'd
have been killed afore I'd have let them do anything to hurt t