"He's been at the safe," he added quickly, diverting attention
from himself. "I was just in time."

"My wor-r-rd!" said Higgins, with emotion. Then quickly: "Did 'e
get anythin', do you think, sir?"

Maitland shook his head, scowling over the butler's burly
shoulders at the rapidly augmenting concourse of servants in the
hallway--lackeys, grooms, maids, cooks, and what-not; a background
of pale, scared faces to the tableau in the library. "This won't
do," considered Maitland. "Get back, all of you!" he ordered
sternly, indicating the group with a dominant and inflexible
forefinger. "Those who are wanted will be sent for. Now go!
Higgins, you may stay."

"Yes, sir. Yes, sir. But wot an 'orrid 'appenin', sir, if you'll
permit me--"

"I won't. Be quiet and listen. This man is Anisty--Handsome Dan
Anisty, the notorious jewel thief, wanted badly by the police of a
dozen cities. You understand?... I'm going now to motor to the
village and get the constables; I may," he invented desperately,
"be delayed--may have to get a detective from Brooklyn. If this
scoundrel stirs, don't touch him. Let him alone--he can't escape
if you do. Above all things, don't you dare to remove that gag!"

"Most cert'inly, sir. I shall bear in mind wot you says----"

"You'd best," grimly. "Now I'm off. No; I don't want any