“Mr Anson has sought this interview with the directors, Mr Ingleborough, to inform us that you have made up a malicious tale about his having been engaged in illicit-diamond-buying. Of course, if you could prove such a charge, it was your duty to inform us.”
“Of course, sir,” replied Ingleborough; “but, though I have for some time suspected him, this affair only occurred during our tiffin-time this morning, and as soon as we returned to the office I felt bound to accuse him as my fellow-clerk, and tell him what I intended to do.”
“So as to give him, if guilty, a good chance to conceal the diamonds or escape?”
“Oh no, sir,” said Ingleborough quietly. “I took proper precautions against that.”
“Indeed?” said the director. “What did you do?”
“Mr Superintendent Norton is a friend of mine, sir, and I went to him at once. He and two of his keenest men have been carefully watching Anson ever since.”
“Humph! Quite right,” said the director, and he glanced at Anson, who was smiling contemptuously then; but West had seen him wince sharply when Ingleborough mentioned the superintendent’s name. “Well,” continued the director, “let us hear your version of this business.”
“Really, gentlemen,” cried Anson, “I ought to have the assistance of a law officer and—”
“Stop, Mr Anson,” said the director sharply; “we have heard you all through. Have the goodness to be silent now while Mr Ingleborough gives us his statement.”
“But legal assistance, sir.”