Look here, Stratton," said Guest at last, "if you oppose my wishes so
strongly, I shall think that you have some special reason for it."

Stratton's eyes contracted a little as he looked fixedly at his friend.

"I shall not oppose you, then," he said, after moistening his lips, as
if speaking was an effort. "Have the place examined."

"I will," cried Guest eagerly. "Come on with me to the police-station,
and let's give information."

Stratton shrank back in his seat.

"No, no. Speak to the people at the lodge; the man can open the door."

"No; I am not going to have the matter spread abroad. And I do not
accept the responsibility. No hesitation now; come on."

Stratton was so weakened by ill health and nervous shock that, in spite
of himself, he felt compelled to yield, and ten minutes later they were
in the cold, formal station, where he felt as if in a dream, held there
against his will, and listening while Guest told the inspector on duty
his suspicions as if they were those of his neighbour Stratton, who, of
course, was not sure, only uneasy, and desirous of quietly learning
whether, by any possibility, there was something wrong.

"We'll soon see to that, sir," said the inspector quietly, and sending a
message by a constable, a sergeant was called into the office, the
matter explained to him, and, after a sharp glance at the two strangers,
he proposed to call and get Johnson to come with them, as he would be
home from work and they could pick him up on the way.

The inspector expressed his approval, and then said:

"I hope, gentlemen, you will find it is all a mistake, for your friend's
sake. Good-evening."

As soon as they were outside the sergeant turned to them.

"As you want to make no fuss, gentlemen, and would like the matter kept
quiet, suppose you both go on? I'll join you in ten minutes with my
man. People may notice it, if we all go together."

Guest nodded, and they separated. Then a cab was called, and Stratton's
chambers once more reached.

Here the latter grew strangely excited, and began to protest against the
proceedings.

"Look here," said Guest warmly, "if I had had any doubt about its being
right, I should go on now."

"Why?" cried Stratton wonderingly.

"Because the excitement of another's trouble or suffering is rousing you
up, old fellow, and making you seem something like what you were of
old."

Stratton caught him by the arm, and was about to insist upon the plan