“I see the main outlines of the affair easily enough, Clinton,” he said, “but I'd like to hear just how you worked it out as you went along. Any objections to telling me? It'll go no farther, of course.”
The chief constable's face betrayed a tinge of boredom.
“You've lived with this case for the best part of a week. Haven't you had enough of it by this time?”
Wendover persisted in his demand; but Sir Clinton, instead of complying, glanced at his watch.
“There's one detective story I'm very fond of, squire: The Hunting of the Snark. I rank it high in the scale, especially on account of the number of apt quotations one can make from it. Here's one:
The method employed I would gladly explain
While I have it so clear in my head,
If I had but the time and you had but the brain—
But much yet remains to be said.
It's far too late to start a long story to-night. I'm dead sleepy. If you remind me about it to-morrow, I'll do my best; but I will not sit up all night even to please you.”
The inspector seemed as much disappointed as Wendover at his superior's decision.
“I'd like to hear it too, sir, if you don't mind.”
Sir Clinton suppressed a yawn with difficulty.