It was not easy to feel cordial sympathy with a man like this. However, there was nothing for it but to go and lay his case before the doctor, and Railsford entered accordingly.
Dr Ponsford was at breakfast, and asked his visitor to take a seat.
“You have come to tell me that Mr Bickers’s assailants are discovered?” said he.
“I wish I could,” said Railsford. “I have only had time to speak to my prefects.”
“Two of whom are not to be trusted, and profess a personal spite against Mr Bickers.”
This was just like the doctor. He gave other people information and never wanted any himself.
“I know, of course, what you refer to. I have not myself found any reason to consider Felgate or Stafford untrustworthy. Mr Bickers says—”
“I know what Mr Bickers says; but what do you say?”
“Well, sir, frankly, I do not feel quite sure of Felgate; and Stafford is too amiable to say ‘no’ to anybody.”
“Now let me hear about the affair this morning.”