Shrig; he recognized me in spite of my disguise
and he told me to--warn you--"
"Well, John?"
"That you may be arrested--"
"Yes, John?"
"For--the murder of Jasper Gaunt. Oh, sir, why have you aroused
suspicion against yourself by disappearing at such a time?"
"Suspicion?" said Barnabas, and with the word he rose and laying his
hands upon John Peterby's shoulders, looked into his eyes. Then,
seeing the look they held, he smiled and shook his head.
"Oh, friend," said he, "what matters it so long as you know my hands
are clean?"
"But, sir, if you are arrested--"
"They must next prove me guilty, John," said Barnabas, sitting down
at the table.
"Or an accessory--after the fact!"
"Hum!" said Barnabas thoughtfully, "I never thought of that."
"And, sir," continued Peterby anxiously, "there are two Bow Street
Runners lounging outside in the court--"
"But they're not after me yet. So cheer up, John!" Yet in that moment,
Peterby sprang to his feet with fists clenched, for some one was
knocking softly at the door.
"Quick, sir--the other room--hide!" he whispered. But shaking his
head, Barnabas rose and, putting him gently aside, opened the door
and beheld a small gentleman who bowed.
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