“Orders was to investigate, and if I found other facts, sir, to communicate with the chief constable.”
“Of course. Now, you see, my good man, that what I say is correct—that through excess of zeal you are ready to charge my pupil—a gentleman entrusted to my charge by his father in the West Indies—a pupil to whom, during his stay in England, I act in loco parentis—and over whose career I shall have to watch during his collegiate curriculum—with a crime that must have been committed by some tramp. You understand me?”
“Yes, sir, all except the French and the cricklum, but I daresay all that’s right.”
The rector smiled.
“Now, are you satisfied that you have made a mistake?”
“No, sir, not a bit of it,” said the constable stolidly.
The rector made a deprecating gesture with his hand, rose and rang the bell. Then he returned to his seat, sat back and waited till the bell was answered.
“Have the goodness, Joseph, to ask Mr Distin to step here.”
“If I might make so bold, sir,” interposed the constable, “I should like you to have ’em all in.”
“One of my pupils, Mr Macey, is at the manor.”