“I have my old service-revolver in my desk.”

“You had best take it, then. It is well to be prepared. I see that the cab is at the door. I ordered it for half-past six.”

It was a little past seven before we reached the Westminster wharf, and found our launch awaiting us. Holmes eyed it critically.

“Is there anything to mark it as a police-boat?”

“Yes⁠—that green lamp at the side.”

“Then take it off.”

The small change was made, we stepped on board, and the ropes were cast off. Jones, Holmes, and I sat in the stern. There was one man at the rudder, one to tend the engines, and two burly police-inspectors forward.

“Where to?” asked Jones.