“Macey? That’s the funny one,” said the constable. “Perhaps you’d have in them as is at home.”
“Ask Mr Gilmore to step in too.”
Joseph withdrew, and after a painful silence, steps were heard in the porch.
“By the way, Bates,” said the rector, hastily, “have you spread this charge?”
“No, sir; of course not.”
“Does not Doctor Lee know?”
“Not yet, sir. Thought it my dooty to come fust to you.”
“I thank you, Bates. It was very considerate of you. Hush!”
Distin’s voice was heard saying something outside in a loud, laughing way, and the next moment he tapped and entered.
“Joseph said you wished to see me, sir.” Then, with an affected start as he saw the constable standing there, “Have you caught them?”