Our business, however, made it necessary for us to
reach you with as little delay as possible."
"Perhaps you will be good enough to explain," Duncombe answered, "what
that business is."
The Baron raised his hands with a little protesting gesture.
"I regret to tell you, Sir George," he announced, "that it is of a most
unpleasant nature. I could wish that its execution had fallen into other
hands. My companions are Monsieur Ridalle, of the French detective
service, and our other friend here, whom I do not know, is a constable
from the Norwich Police Court. My own connections with the police
service of my country you have already, without doubt, surmised."
"Go on," Duncombe said.
"I regret to say," Monsieur Louis continued, "that my friends here are
in charge of a warrant for your arrest. You will find them possessed of
all the legal documents, French and English. We shall have to ask you to
come to Norwich with us to-night."
"Arrest!" Duncombe repeated. "On what charge?"
"An extremely serious one," the Baron answered gravely. "The charge of
murder!"
Duncombe stared at him in amazement.
"Murder!" he repeated.
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