"By the way," he said, "has Mr. Plumber been writing under his own name?"
"Not he. The stuff is anonymous. It is inconceivable that any one could wish to be known as its author?"
"Then may I ask how you know that Mr. Plumber is its author?"
Mr. Luxmare appeared to be a trifle non-plussed--as did his associate. But the people's warden stuck to his guns.
"It is common report in the parish that Mr. Plumber is a contributor to a paper which would not be admitted to a decent house. We are here as church officers to acquaint you with that report, and to request you to ascertain from Mr. Plumber whether or not it is well founded."
"In other words, you wish me to associate myself with vague scandal about Queen Elizabeth, and to play the part of Paul Pry in the private affairs of my friend and colleague."
Mr. Luxmare rose from his chair.
"If, sir, you decline to accede to our request, we shall go from you to Mr. Plumber. We shall put to him certain questions. Should he decline to answer them, or should his replies not be satisfactory, we shall esteem it our duty to report the matter to the Bishop. For my own part, I say, without hesitation, that it would be a notorious scandal that a contributor to such a paper as Skittles should be a minister in our beloved parish church."
The vicar still smiled, though it is conceivable that, for once in a way, his smile was merely on the surface.
"Then, in that case, Mr. Luxmare, you will take upon yourself a great responsibility."