West began to hesitate.

“He—well—perhaps not exactly in the words I said.”

“That will do, sir!” cried Ingleborough. “You are convicted of cramming—of making up a fictitious account of the interview. He did not allude to me.”

“But he meant to include you, of course!”

“No, he did not, Noll; he meant you.”

“I say he meant both of us. If he did not, I shan’t go!”

“What!”

“I shall not go a step out of the way without my comrade!”

“What!” cried Ingleborough, holding out his hand. “Well, come, I like that, lad, if you mean it.”

“If I mean it, Ingle!” said West reproachfully.