"Are you in the habit, Mr Nunn, of making ex officio statements of that kind on occasions such as the present? If so, let me invite you to break yourself of it. A man of your experience ought to know better--very much better, Mr Nunn. I regret that I am unable to do what you require."
Mr Nunn stared; possibly slightly abashed by the rebuke which had been administered to him in the presence of Mr Granger.
"But, sir, begging your pardon, you've no option in the matter."
"Haven't I? You'll find I have--a very wide option. I shall decline to allow a warrant to be issued for the arrest of the lady you have named."
"But, Mr Morice, sir, on what grounds?"
"Very simple ones. Because I happen to know she's innocent."
"But that's no reason!"
"You'll find it is, since I also happen to know who's guilty."
"You know who's guilty? Mr Morice!"
"Precisely--Mr Morice. It is I who am guilty. Mr Nunn, I surrender myself into your custody as having been guilty of killing a certain man on a certain Saturday night in Cooper's Spinney. Is that in proper form?"