There was also the bare possibility that he had told the truth, so far as he knew it.

One last shot he essayed.
"You are acting very foolishly, but I shall not arrest you--yet," he said impressively.

"I shall tell the local police to keep an eye on you." "Is it the Cornish savage from the churchtown--him with the straw helmit ?" said Thalassa, with a harsh laugh.
The last shot had missed fire badly.

The lawless spirit of the man was not to be intimidated by a threat of arrest--a threat which the detective had reason for not putting into effect just then.

Barrant moved towards the door with the best dignity he could command.
"Light me downstairs to the kitchen," he said.