Page:The Ball and the Cross.djvu/219

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CHAPTER
209

Turnbull, as if it were the most rational thing in the world. “If the French police like to interfere, let them interfere. But why the blue blazes should you interfere, you great blue blundering sausages?”

“I’m afraid, sir,” said the serjeant with restraint, “I’m afraid I don’t quite follow you.”

“I mean, why don’t the French police take this up if it’s got to be taken up? I always heard that they were spry enough in their own way.”

“Well, sir,” said the serjeant, reflectively, “you see, sir, the French police don’t take this up—well, because you see, sir, this ain’t France. This is His Majesty’s dominions, same as ’Ampstead ’eath.”

“Not France?” repeated Turnbull, with a sort of dull incredulity.

“No, sir,” said the serjeant; “though most of the people talk French. This is the island called St. Loup, sir, an island in the Channel. We’ve been sent down specially from London, as you were such specially distinguished criminals, if you’ll allow me to say so. Which reminds me to warn you that anything you say may be used against you at your trial.”

“Quite so,” said Turnbull, and lurched sud-

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