“And why, pray?”
Hawkesbury was taken aback by the sudden question. It was evident he could not make his story square at all four corners.
“I—I—hoped I might be mistaken,” said he, uncomfortably. “In fact, I meant to mention the affair, but—but I forgot.”
“Oh,” said Mr Barnacle, in a way that made the witness writhe.
“I hope you don’t doubt my word,” said Hawkesbury, attempting to assume a lofty air of virtuous indignation.
Mr Barnacle vouchsafed no reply.
“What we desire,” said Mr Merrett, “is to come at the truth of the matter, and I can only say that it would be much better if the culprit were to make a full confession here now.”
He looked hard at me as he spoke, and I did my best to stand the look as an innocent man should.
“A cheque for eight pounds has been missed,” continued Mr Merrett, “which was only drawn yesterday, and left in the safe. I ask you, Batchelor, do you know anything of it?”
“No, sir,” I replied.