"What for?" demanded the Rector sharply. "Why should we go there?"
"Can't you understand?" said Alan impatiently. "I want to find out if this letter is true or false--if the body of Mr. Marlow has been removed."
"But I--I--can't!" gasped the Rector. "I must apply to the bishop for----"
"Nonsense, sir! We are not going to exhume the body. It's not like digging up a grave. All that is necessary is to look at the coffin resting in its niche. We can tell from the screws and general appearance if it has been tampered with."
The clergyman sat down and wiped his bald head.
"I don't like it," he said. "I don't like it at all. Still, I don't suppose a look at the coffin can harm any one. We'll go, Alan, we'll go; but I must take Jarks."
"The sexton?"
"Yes. I want a witness--two witnesses; you are one, Jarks the other. It is a gruesome task that we have before us." He shuddered again. "I don't like it. Profanation!"
"If this letter is to be believed, the profanation has already been committed."
"Cicero Gramp," repeated Mr. Phelps as they went out. "Who is he?"