It was a miracle of good luck, a
coincidence among coincidences, which had white-washed him in their
sight at the very moment when they were straining the expert eye to
sift him through and through. But the miracle had been performed,
and its effect was visible in every face and audible in every voice.
I except Ernest, who could never have been in the secret; moreover,
that gay Criminologist had been palpably shaken by his first little
experience of crime. But the other three vied among themselves to
do honor where they had done injustice. I heard Kingsmill, Q.C.,
telling Raffles the best time to catch him at chambers, and
promising a seat in court for any trial he might ever like to hear.
Parrington spoke of a presentation set of his books, and in doing
homage to Raffles made his peace with our host. As for Lord
Thornaby, I did overhear the name of the Athenaeum Club, a reference
to his friends on the committee, and a whisper (as I thought) of
Rule II.
The police were still in possession when we went our several ways,
and it was all. that I could do to drag Raffles up to my rooms,
though, as I have said, they were just round the corner.
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