And he must help--and innocent as he felt Harborough to be, he must set things going against Harborough--his life was as naught, against the Mallalieu-Cotherstone safety.
Mallalieu walked into the police-station, to find the sergeant just returned and in consultation with the superintendent, whom he had summoned to hear his report.

Both turned inquiringly on the Mayor.
"I've heard all about it," said Mallalieu, bustling forward.

"Mr.Bent told me.

Now then, where's that cord they talk about ?" The sergeant pointed to the coil and the severed piece, which lay on a large sheet of brown paper on a side-table, preparatory to being sealed up.

Mallalieu crossed over and made a short examination of these exhibits; then he turned to the superintendent with an air of decision.
"Aught been done ?" he demanded.
"Not yet, Mr.Mayor," answered the superintendent.