“In a word,” said the vicar, “you fully agree that it will be wise to have him taken care of?”
“From what you have told me,” said Dr. Parker, with professional caution, “I am inclined to think that, in a time like the present, it may be the right course to adopt.”
“Very well,” said the vicar gravely. “Let us now go and see Joliffe, and get him to indorse your opinion as the law requires. And then tomorrow morning I will run over to Grayfield and get Whymper to move in the matter without delay.”
XVII
The vicar and Dr. Parker slowly descended the long, straggling village street, until they came to Dr. Joliffe’s gate. They found their man at home. In shirt sleeves and pipe in mouth he was mowing the back lawn with a very creditable display of energy for a householder of fifty-five, on an extremely oppressive afternoon.
The perspiring Dr. Joliffe donned a light alpaca coat, and then led his visitors to the summerhouse at the bottom of the garden, where they could talk without fear of being overheard.
The vicar began at once in a concise, businesslike way.
“Dr. Parker has seen John Smith. And he is quite ready to certify him.”
“Hopelessly mad, poor fellow, I’m afraid,” said Dr. Parker.
A quick frown passed across the face of Dr. Joliffe.