“Yes, sir,” replied Gerald.
“Exactly. And I’m going to make this as easy for you as I can. Suppose you tell me how it happened.”
“Er—what, sir?”
“This—ah—this Broadwood escapade. Mr. Grogan here is quite certain that he chased you around the Broadwood grounds on the night of—let me see—the night of March thirty-first. Have you ever seen Mr. Grogan before, Pennimore?” Gerald hesitated. Finally:
“I think so, sir.”
“On that occasion?”
“Yes, sir.”
“So. Then I won’t detain you any longer, Mr. Grogan. Thanks for your assistance, and you may rest assured that the culprits will be appropriately punished. Good morning.”
Mr. Grogan arose and made for the door. But after he had opened it, he paused and turned to Mr. Collins again. “You understand, sir, I’m not saying as ’twas this young gentleman as tripped me up?”
“Quite.”