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?”