CHAPTER XXII.
THE HAND IN THE DARKNESS The Highmarket clocks were striking noon when Mallalieu was arrested.
For three hours he remained under lock and key, in a room in the Town Hall--most of the time alone.

His lunch was brought to him; every consideration was shown him.

The police wanted to send for his solicitor from Norcaster; Mallalieu bade them mind their own business.

He turned a deaf ear to the superintendent's entreaties to him to see some friend; let him mind his own business too, said Mallalieu.

He himself would do nothing until he saw the need to do something.