When Mr. Inspector put it in that other form, “to come along with me,” there was a relishing roll in his voice, and his eye beamed with an official lustre.
“Do you propose to take me into custody?” inquired John Rokesmith, very coolly.
“Why argue?” returned Mr. Inspector in a comfortable sort of remonstrance; “ain’t it enough that I propose that you shall come along with me?”
“For what reason?”
“Lord bless my soul and body!” returned Mr. Inspector, “I wonder at it in a man of your education. Why argue?”
“What do you charge against me?”
“I wonder at you before a lady,” said Mr. Inspector, shaking his head reproachfully: “I wonder, brought up as you have been, you haven’t a more delicate mind! I charge you, then, with being some way concerned in the Harmon Murder. I don’t say whether before, or in, or after, the fact. I don’t say whether with having some knowledge of it that hasn’t come out.”
“You don’t surprise me. I foresaw your visit this afternoon.”
“Don’t!” said Mr. Inspector. “Why, why argue? It’s my duty to inform you that whatever you say, will be used against you.”
“I don’t think it will.”
“But I tell you it will,” said Mr. Inspector. “Now, having received the caution, do you still say that you foresaw my visit this afternoon?”