“I shall never enter the club again,” said Beenham.
The Head Master paid no attention to the remark, took him by the arm and led him into the street. There they paced up and down while it was explained that the Chief Constable had been approached and was willing to suspend proceedings until a full inquiry had been made, if Beenham were willing to face an inquiry; or, in the alternative, would allow him twenty-four hours in which to disappear from Thrigsby. The Lord Mayor and three other governors of the school had been seen, and they were all agreed that such an end to Mr. Beenham’s long and honorable connection with the foundation was deplorable.
“End!” gasped Beenham.
“The governors all expressed——” began the Head Master, when his colleague interrupted him with:
“What is your own opinion?”
“I—I——”
“What is your own feeling?”
“I am thinking of the school.”
“Then I am to suffer under an unjust and unfounded accusation?”