t as you speak of, as--as, well,
for want of a better simile, Bates, as I am."

The constable shook his head and looked very serious.

"Now, tell me your reasons for making such a charge."

The explanations followed.

"Flimsy in the extreme, Bates," said the rector triumphantly, and as if
relieved of a load. "And you show no more common sense than to charge a
gentleman with such a crime solely because you happened to see him
walking in that direction."

"Said he wasn't out, sir."

"Well, a slip--a piece of forgetfulness. We might either of us have
done the same. But tell me, why have you come here?"

"Orders was to investigate, and if I found other facts, sir, to
communicate with the chief constable."

"Of course. Now, you see, my good man, that what I say is correct--that
through excess of zeal you are ready to charge my pupil--a gentleman
entrusted to my charge by his father in the West Indies--a pupil to
whom, during his stay in England, I act _in loco parentis_--and over
whose career I shall have to watch during his collegiate curriculum--
with a crime that must have been committed by some tramp. You
understand me?"

"Yes, sir, all except the French and the cricklum, but I daresay all
that's right."

The rector smiled.

"Now, are you satisfied that you have made a mistake?"

"No, sir, not a bit of it," said the constable stolidly.

The rector made a deprecating gesture with his hand, rose and rang the
bell. Then he returned to his seat, sat back and waited till the bell
was answered.

"Have the goodness, Joseph, to ask Mr Distin to step here."

"If I might make so bold, sir," interposed the constable, "I should like
you to have 'em all in."

"One of my pupils, Mr Macey, is at the manor."

"Macey? That's the funny one," said the constable. "Perhaps you'd have
in them as is at home."

"Ask Mr Gilmore to step in too."

Joseph withdrew, and after a painful silence, steps were heard in the
porch.

"By the way, Bates," said the rector, hastily, "have you spread this
charge?"

"No, sir; of course not."

"Does not Doctor Lee know?"

"Not yet, sir. Thought it my dooty to come fust to you."

"I thank you, Bates. It was very considerate of you. Hush!"

Distin's voice was heard saying something outside in a loud, laughing
way, and the next moment he tapped and entered.

"Joseph said you wished to see me, sir." Then, with an affected start
as he saw the constable standing there, "H