‘Yes, your honour. Unanimous. We find . . .’
‘Wait a moment. . . . Yes, very good . . . go on.’
‘We find, unanimous, that the deceased died in accordance with the doctor’s evidence, and that his death was caused unintentionally by George Malpas.’
‘That is manslaughter.’
‘Yes, your honour. Unintentional manslaughter.’
‘You can’t qualify it. Manslaughter. You have added no rider?’
‘No, your honour.’
‘Well, I am bound to say I endorse your verdict. I think that you might profitably have expressed your opinion on the management of this house.’ He called ‘Daniel Hind!’
Mr Hind rose with a gasp.
‘You have heard what I think of the management of your house, and I hope that the licensing justices will . . . ah . . . endorse it. Another time when an inquest is held in this room in winter the least you can do is to put a fire in it. George Malpas!’