Mystery of the Inn by the Shore by Florence Warden

It was the police-sergeant who had taken Nell Claris to Sir Neville Bax who had brought to Shingle End the warrant for Miss Bostal's arrest. This warrant he had not, so far, had an opportunity of showing to the Colonel. Now, however, that the lady had disappeared, and it had become necessary to search the place, and more thoroughly, the sergeant respectfully turned to the old gentleman, to inform the latter of the authority by which he acted.

Colonel Bostal, divining the man's intention, made a gesture of horror, and without staying either to hear the man's explanation or to look at the warrant, retreated hastily into the house.