The sergeant cleared his throat: ‘If I may say a few words, sir . . .’
The coroner finished his notes, then sat back to listen.
‘I may say, sir, that we have been dissatisfied for some time with the conduct of this house. Neither Mr Hind nor his daughter bear a good character with us, and Bastard has had occasion to speak to me about the goings-on here from time to time. He has also said that Mr Badger was a great help to him. Connor, Atwell, and Fellows all have the name of rough characters. We have only been waiting for the necessary evidence . . .’
‘That will do, sergeant.’
‘Very good, sir. On inquiries in Lesswardine, I find that Malpas spent the evening in the house of a young widow woman named . . .’
George rose to his feet and took a step forward.
‘Sit down!’ shouted the coroner.
‘Named . . .’
‘That will do, sergeant.’
‘As you wish, sir.’