He was still gazing
open-mouthed at Chris as two men came along the avenue.
They were both in plain clothes, but they had "policeman" writ large all
over them.
"Cops, for a million," Merritt gurgled, with a pallid face. "You can tell
'em when you're asleep. And they are after me; they're coming this way.
I'll be all right presently."
"I hope so," Chris said, with a curling lip. "You look guilty
enough now."
Merritt explained that it was merely the first emotion, and would pass
off presently. Nor did he boast in vain. He was quite cool as the
officers came up and called him by name.
"That's me," Merritt said. "What's the trouble?"
One of the officers explained. He had no warrant, he said, but all the
same he would have to trouble Mr. Merritt to accompany him to Moreton
Wells. A diamond star not yet definitely identified had been handed over
to the police, the same having been pawned by James Merritt.
"That's quite right," Merritt said, cheerfully. "I pawned it for
this young lady here--Miss Lee. Of course, if it is not her
property, why, then--"
The officer was palpably taken back.
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