"His name isn't Saunders," said the doctor, composedly. "And I'm fairly sure he isn't a clergyman. Anyhow, you recognize the uncle. I was afraid you would blurt out something before I could enquire. There was always a chance, that the bogus Saunders would resemble the real rector.
“Inspector Jennings, I suggest you take your prisoner over to that grey automobile on the other side of the road. Sir Benjamin, you might meet your old friend before the rest of us do. Tell him as much or as little as you like, and then join us."
Saunders took off his hat and fanned himself with it.
"Then you are behind this, Doctor?" he enquired, almost genially. "I — er — it surprises me. It even shocks me. I do not like you, Doctor Fell. Gentlemen, come along. You needn't keep hold of my arm, Inspector. I assure you I have no intention of running away."
In the darkening light, the little party moved across to the Daimler. Inspector Jennings turned his neck as though on a slow pivot.
"I thought I should bring a few of the men along with me, sir," he said to Dr. Fell. "You said he was a killer."
The ugly word, unemotionally spoken, caused a hush which was broken only by the plodding of large feet. Rampole, walking behind the rest of them with Dorothy, stared at the large back of the rector moving in confident strides. The bald spot on Saunders' head shone out of the fluff of yellowish hair. He heard Saunders laugh….
They put the prisoner in the tonneau of the car. Spreading himself comfortably, the rector drew a deep breath. The word "killer" was still sounding faintly in their ears. Saunders seemed to know it. His eyes moved slowly over them, and he was meticulously folding and unfolding his handkerchief. It was as though he were putting on pieces of armour.
"Now, then, gentlemen," he remarked, "pray let's make this appear to be a pleasant little chat in the rear of a motor-car…. What, precisely, is the charge against me?"
"By God!" said Dr. Fell, striking the side of the car admiringly, "it's damned good, Saunders! — You heard the Inspector. Officially you are charged only with the murder of Martin Starberth. Eh?"