Berry And Co. | Page 9

of cries and
the noise of a car's tires tearing at the road. This lay but a hundred odd
yards away on the farther side of the brown stream by which the lawn
was edged. For the length of a cricket pitch the hedgerow bounding the
highway was visible from where we stood, and as this was not more
than four feet high, we were able to observe a scene which was clearly
but the prologue to a drama in which we were presently to appear.
Under the explosive directions of a man in a grey hat, who was
standing upright and holding on to the wind-screen, frantic efforts were
being made to turn what seemed to be a small touring car. Even as we

looked, a savage gesture in our direction suggested that our friend was
identifying the Rolls by our side as stolen property for the benefit of
four individuals who crouched timorously behind him. To my
consternation I observed that these were no less than an inspector and
three constables of the County Police.
The next minute the car had been turned round and was being driven
rapidly back to our lodge-gates.
"Leave them to me," said Jonah quietly. "Go and sit down on the lawn,
all of you. I'll fix them."
* * * * *
"That's the fellow," said Grey Hat, in a shaking voice, "and that's his
accomplice." He pointed a fat hand at myself and Agatha in turn.
"I beg your pardon," said Jonah. Grey Hat turned and looked him up
and down. "Were you wanting anything? I mean, I live here."
"I don't know who you are," came the reply. "But that's my car, and
those are the people who stole it."
"One thing at a time. My name's Mansel."
"I'm the Chief Constable of the County."
"Good. Now, about the car. I was under the impression that it was
mine."
"Don't try and bluff me, sir," roared the other. "You know perfectly
well that that car was stolen from the outskirts of Bloodstock only a
few hours ago. You're a receiver, sir, a common----" He checked
himself with an effort. "Inspector!" The officer addressed came forward
and saluted. "Caution the three of them."
"Hadn't you better identify your property first?" said Jonah. "I mean, I
don't want to interfere, but if it's a question of our arrest----"

The inspector hesitated, and the Chief Constable's face took on a darker
shade of red. He was a coarse-looking man, generously designed and
expensively over-dressed. For a moment I thought he was going to
strike Jonah. Then he caught a heavy underlip in his teeth, turned on his
heel, and strode to the Rolls-Royce.
He cast a proprietor's eye over her points. Then he stepped behind her
as though to come to her other side. The next second he was back and
shaking his fist in Jonah's face.
"So you've had the infernal audacity to alter the number-plates, have
you?" he yelled. "Thought to bluff me, I suppose. You impudent----"
"One moment," said Jonah steadily. "Without looking at the dash, tell
me your chassis number. Your chauffeur should know it."
"One double seven eight," came parrot-wise from the lips of the
gentleman referred to.
"Thank you," said Jonah.
Grey Hat almost ran to the Rolls, tore open the bonnet, and stared at the
dash--stared....
We waited in a silence so charged with expectancy as to be almost
unbearable.
At last the Chief Constable straightened his back. His eyes were
bulging and his face redder than ever. Twice he essayed to speak
without success. Then--
"I said it was my car," said Jonah placidly.
For a moment Grey Hat stood glaring at him. Then, muttering
something about "a mistake," he started to lurch towards the police car.
As the officers turned shamefacedly to follow their chief, Jonah's
parade voice rang out.
"Stop!" At the word of command, master and men alike stood still

where they were. "My friends and I have been openly accused of felony
and threatened with arrest."
The Chief Constable swallowed before replying.
"I was mistaken," he said thickly. "I--I apologize."
"You mean to say you believed that to be your car?"
"I did."
"Why?"
"It's exactly like it."
"There must be some difference."
"There's no difference at all. If mine were here, I'd defy you to tell them
apart."
"Do you seriously suggest that I shouldn't know my own car?"
"I do."
"And that such a mistake on my part would be excusable?"
"Certainly."
"Thank you," said Jonah. "That excusable mistake was made this
morning. My car was stolen and sought for. Your car was found. If you
will accompany me to the stables, I shall be happy to restore it to you at
once."
Grey Hat started forward, his face transfigured with excitement