“I could not but regard a secret so acquired as sacred,” said he; “and even though by keeping it I was actually shielding criminals, I should have been a greater traitor to betray them than to shield them.”
“May I say, sir,” put in Ainger at this point, “that the prefects in our house last night received a confession from Munger, which corresponds exactly with what Mr Branscombe says?”
“Except that I did not mention the names of the other two culprits,” said Mr Branscombe. “My son did not even name them to me.”
“Munger was not so particular. He says Clipstone suggested the affair, and assisted Branscombe to carry it out; while he himself held the light and helped drag Mr Bickers into the boot-box. That was what I had come to report to you now, sir,” added he to the head-master.
Dr Ponsford looked half stunned with this cascade of revelations and explanations. Then he went up to Railsford and took his hand.
“I am thankful indeed that all this has happened now—in time. A few hours more, and it would have come too late to prevent a great injustice to you, Railsford. Ainger, go for Mr Bickers, and come back with him.”
Mr Bickers had a tolerable inkling of what awaited him, and when he found himself confronted with all the overwhelming evidence which was crowded that morning into the doctor’s waiting-room, he hauled down his colours without even coming to close quarters.
“Yes,” said he sullenly, “I did keep back the letter. I considered it better for Grandcourt and everyone that Mr Railsford should go than that this old affair should be settled. After all, I was the person chiefly interested in it, and if I didn’t choose to do what would vindicate myself, I had a right to do so. My opinion is that there will be no peace at Grandcourt while Mr Railsford is here. If he is now to remain, I shall consider it my duty to resign.”
“I hope not, Mr Bickers,” said Railsford. “Now that this unhappy secret is cleared up, why shouldn’t we forget the past, and work together for the future? I promise for myself and my house to do our best.”
“Thank you,” said Mr Bickers dryly. “The offer is a tempting one, but it is not good enough. Good-morning.”