"Brutal assault, or attempted murder, God knows which," Carstairs groaned.
"Ah!" the policeman said, producing a note-book. "It's Mr Carstairs of the electric light, ain't it, sir?"
"That's it, and the other man is Sam Lee, gipsy who was condemned for burglary about two years ago."
"Oh, that's it, is it? He was only let out a week ago. 'As 'e got anything agen you, sir?"
Two other policemen were already in view. Carstairs, almost himself again, waited till they arrived, and told all three the tale. They listened with no sign of surprise, (the English policeman is never surprised), but they took profuse notes.
"We'll soon 'ave 'im," they said.
Next morning at the works, Carstairs sat in Darwen's office, and told him the tale of his adventure.
"Well, it doesn't matter a curse if it all comes out now, old chap, your position here is firmly established."
Carstairs was thoughtful. "My people won't like if it gets into the papers. I wonder what the girl thinks about it."
"Oh, you may bet your boots she's used to that sort of thing. I'm going off to the meeting now. Wish you could come too, sure to be some fun. However, you'll see that engine tested?"