"When was your last professional engagement?"
"I have been out of a place, sir, since I left Mr. Houghton, eighteen months ago."
"And what were you doing for Mr. Houghton?"
"Everything, sir. He was a bachelor gentleman, and didn't care to have women servants about the house, so I looked after him entirely."
"Dear me! How extremely fortunate!" exclaimed the Professor. "Your visit is what the vicar would call almost providential, Mr. Bates. Before I discharge my duty as a citizen, by handing you over to the local policeman, you will be able to straighten out all this distressing confusion for me. If you do it efficiently, it will doubtless be taken into consideration by the magistrate."
"Yes, sir," murmured Mr. Bates dejectedly.
"Well, suppose we start upon the boots, then. It will be pleasant to have a pair of boots properly cleaned again. You will find the brushes and some blacking in that cupboard."
Mr. Bates opened the door and took out the articles in question. He then collected the three pairs of boots which were scattered about the floor, and silently set to work. The Professor, sitting on a corner of the kitchen table, with the revolver dangling in his hand, watched him with amused interest.
When the last boot was finished and laid aside, he got up.
"Your work reflects great credit on you, Mr. Bates," he remarked approvingly. "I shall be proud to wear them. Do you think you are equally skilful at washing up plates and dishes?"