gladly have drawn
back but for her promise and her pride.

He would have hurried off to Benchers' Inn with the information, but he
was bound to go on to the police office and see the matter through with
Sir Mark; and in due time they reached Scotland Yard, to find Barron, or
Dale, in a kind of desk, listening carelessly to the evidence given by
the officers who had helped to execute the warrant.

But the man's whole aspect changed as he saw Sir Mark and Guest enter.

"Hah!" he cried; "at last. Now, Mr Inspector, or whatever you are,
this is Admiral Sir Mark Jerrold, my father-in-law. The whole affair is
one of mistaken identity. For Heaven's sake, my dear sir, satisfy these
people as to my responsibility, and act as bail for my reappearance. Of
course there will be no Southampton to-day. How does Myra bear the
shock?"

Sir Mark's opinion veered toward the speaker directly, and turning to
the officer who had been his companion from the house, he found him
smiling.

"There, sir, I told you it was all a mistake."

"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