Ralph paused a moment. With a strong effort he mastered himself. If he was a standard-bearer, he must remember to give soft and polite answers, so he said politely—
"I am afraid that I have little to tell, sir, that I have not told already; and, unfortunately, it does not seem to be believed."
"Never mind that. Begin at the beginning, and tell me all that occurred."
So Ralph complied, and Lord Elgert sat listening with frowning face and watchful eyes; and Ralph could see that he, like his son, really did believe the story, even though he pretended not to.
"Well, well, doctor," said his lordship, when the tale was told, "I am inclined to think that it is a case of sleepwalking——"
"But did I put the ladder against the window in my sleep, sir?" asked Ralph. "The detectives did not think that, nor do you. I have no interest in inventing such a story; and I have no wish to do anything to annoy your son, so long as he leaves me alone——"
"I do not think that the boy dreamed it," said the doctor. And Lord Elgert frowned.
"Hum! Hark, boy! I suppose that it was not your own father, come to see you, eh?"
Then up started Ralph indignantly, and cried—