The Shadow of Great Britain

756: 359 756: 359 Arthur nodded, “I understand, which is why I didn’t call in the police directly from Scotland Yard, but instead handpicked some sharp and capable young men from the Police Intelligence Department.

They are young people too, and like me, they are not in uniform.”

Andrew’s heart hung in suspense relaxed slightly, “That’s good…

they didn’t bring weapons, did they?”

Arthur expressed cautiously, “As a precaution, they are equipped with the bare minimum of force.

Please understand, while I desire to resolve this peacefully, I must also be responsible for the safety of my subordinates.”

“The bare minimum of force is…

a stick?”

“A short one,” Arthur said.

“As long as the situation doesn’t spiral out of control, they won’t take action.

If these young people accept their guidance smoothly, perhaps later they might be clinking glasses with my policemen in a tavern.”

With that, Arthur offered a word of caution, “Scotland Yard is already aware of the situation here.

Mr.

Andrew, if you insist on not letting me get involved, then what’s coming won’t be just men with sticks.

You should know that the Guard Cavalry has also joined the law enforcement teams recently, and I would not want it to escalate to that point.”

At this point, Andrew realized he could not delay any longer.

He sighed, “I understand.

But is deploying plainclothes officers really appropriate?

You must know, once plainclothes officers are discovered, their fate is often far more miserable than that of regular policemen.”

Arthur nodded, “Of course I know.

That’s why I’ve armed them with sticks at their waists, and also provided them with double pay for special times.”

Andrew shrugged helplessly, “Well, since you’ve thought of everything, I have no reason to refuse.

I just saw Officer Bonaparte, should I coordinate the next steps with him?”

Arthur smiled, “That’s right.

But before that, may I politely ask if I can meet with Mr.

Bentham?”

“That…” Andrew was clearly in a dilemma, “Mr.

Bentham has said he does not wish to see visitors today.”

Arthur pulled out a tobacco box from his pocket and placed it in Andrew’s hand, “Please go and ask for me, just say I hope to meet him for a moment, just a few questions, it won’t take much time.

If Mr.

Bentham still refuses, then pretend I was never here.”

Andrew glanced at the tobacco box, shook his head with a smile, and handed the tobacco box back to Arthur.

“Don’t play that game with me, I’m not some riffraff from the East End.

I can ask for you, but the decision to meet lies with Mr.

Bentham himself.”

Just as Andrew finished speaking, they heard a series of urgent footsteps from behind.

A servant rushed down the stairs and said to Andrew, “Mr.

Andrew, Mr.

Bentham says he saw an acquaintance from the window, an outstanding graduate of the University of London, and he wishes to meet that person.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur couldn’t help but look up towards the second-floor window.

Through the clear glass, Bentham sat quietly, his face spotted with age marks.

He looked a bit weary, but still managed to offer the gentle smile he typically wore during street speeches, waving to the crowd.

“It’s Mr.

Bentham!

It’s Mr.

Bentham!”

Bentham’s appearance quickly triggered waves of cheers from his supporters.

They waved back with equal excitement, hats flying everywhere in the street.

Arthur let out a soft sigh of relief, “Their mood is good; it seems the work ahead will be much easier.”

Meanwhile, Andrew took the opportunity during the cheering of the supporters to pull Arthur aside, “Follow me, we’ll go through the back door.

Let’s not let them notice that I let someone else meet Mr.

Bentham.”