Mr. Tuke smiled very politely and acidly.
“’Tis always a pleasure to hear a gentleman’s opinions,” said he; “but a fact will knock the most stubborn of them on the head.”
“You mean—the girl quoted some folly o’ writin’ on a stone.”
“Just so. It happens to be a piece of incriminating evidence.”
“May I see it?”
“Really, Sir David, you must take my word. I know of only one course if you must insist upon questioning it.”
“I understand. I shall not be lacking if need comes, believe me. I tell you to your face you are arrogatin’ the rights of the executive, and more, in casting one into that foul pit on a whisper of suspicion. There are constables, sir; and a Justice of the Peace within a couple of miles of your door, and your proper course was to lay an information with him.”
“And see my bird fly meanwhile?”
“You could detain him; but not there.”
“I see my mistake, then. ’Twas the best bedroom should have been put at his service, and the window closed from draughts.”