‘That’s as may be,’ O’Grady said. ‘Are you coming peaceably or do I have to snap these on you?’ To emphasise his point, the constable held out a pair of manacles.

Netty recoiled, putting her hands behind her back.

Adelaide started forward but Netty grabbed her arm and thrust her behind her.

‘Don’t say a word. I better go with this stupid man.’

‘Look, I’m sorry about this, but I have to do my duty and the gent what laid the charges was most insistent that I detain the thief.’ He heaved a sigh. ‘He also laid charges of assault against Dr Hunt. I’ve had no choice but to bring him too. Didn’t like doing that either, but duty is duty.’

The blood drained from Adelaide’s heart. She could see exactly what Richard was doing. He was punishing the people around her.

Netty raised her chin. ‘You can take me, O’Grady, but you aren’t putting those things on me. I have my pride.’ With that she marched out, with O’Grady scurrying after her.

Voices and the crash of doors woke Caleb from a fitful sleep. He glanced at his watch and estimated he’d only been asleep an hour, if that. He swung his legs off the bench and went to the gate.

Footsteps and the rattling of keys sounded beyond the outer door and it opened.

‘Take your hand off me, you great oaf,’ said a familiar voice with a Yorkshire lilt.

‘Netty!’ Caleb said.

‘It’s true? He’s got you here?’ Netty said. ‘Looks like we’ve both got something to thank our Mr Barnwell for next time we see him.’

‘In here, Miss Redley, if you’ll please.’ O’Grady opened the second cell door and made to grab her arm.

She shook off his hand and marched into the cell.

The police constable shut and locked the door.

‘O’Grady, this is madness. What is going to be accomplished by locking us up?’ Caleb said.

‘Told you. I don’t want you running off.’

‘I’ve given you my word as a gentleman, I will not be running anywhere. I have patients who need me. There’s a child down at the Italian settlement. I promised I would return in the morning.’

O’Grady tugged at his moustache. ‘I heard about the little lass down at the Eyeties,’ he said. ‘I’m only doing my duty, doctor. When morning comes, I’ll fetch one of the JPs and we’ll see to the charges.’

‘Fetch them now!’ Caleb demanded.

O’Grady shook his head. ‘I’m not disturbing important folks in their beds. It can wait till morning.’

Caleb hit the bars of his cell as the outer door shut behind the policeman. ‘Idiot!’ he shouted. He leaned his head against the cool bars and swore volubly.

‘There’s a lady present,’ Netty said.

‘What charges has he brought against you?’