“I could not suppose that you wished to hold any communication with a defaulter,” replied Crawley, “and I am sure I could not trust myself in the company of any fellow who thought me one. I ask you to come to my room now because I have discovered who took the money, and I want to clear myself in your eyes.”
“All right! I will come if you wish it.”
“Thank you very much.”
Having thus arranged for his court of inquiry, the next thing was to secure the attendance of the accused. He found Saurin talking to a knot of boys, and asked if he could speak to him privately for a moment.
“Well, what is up?” Saurin asked. “You look as grave as a mute at a funeral.”
“Yes,” said Crawley, “what I have to say is rather grave. It is about that four pounds twelve shillings you took out of my box.”
“It’s a lie!” cried Saurin, turning pale as death.
“And yet the evidence against you is very clear,” said Crawley quietly. “Do you know a man named Josiah Slam, a son of the fellow who lives near here? Come, I do not wish to prosecute you, unless you force me; I want to give you a chance. Robarts, Buller, Smith, and Gould are coming to my room at twelve o’clock to-day, and I mean to take their advice as to what should be done if you will come there too, and meet them.”
“And if I refuse?” said Saurin.
“In that case I shall go to Dr Jolliffe, and put the matter in his hands,” replied Crawley.