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Part II: The Explanations of Innocent Smith | Gilbert K. Chesterton | |
Chapter II. The Two Curates; or, the Burglary Charge |
Page 8 of 17 |
"There may well have been," said the doctor primly, after a pause, "an unsuccessful one that led to no legalities." "Another question," proceeded Michael. "Canon Hawkins, in his blood-and-thunder boyish way, left off at the exciting moment. Why don't you produce the evidence of the other clergyman, who actually followed the burglar and presumably was present at the crime?" Dr. Pym rose and planted the points of his fingers on the table, as he did when he was specially confident of the clearness of his reply. "We have entirely failed," he said, "to track the other clergyman, who seems to have melted into the ether after Canon Hawkins had seen him as-cending the gutters and the leads. I am fully aware that this may strike many as sing'lar; yet, upon reflection, I think it will appear pretty natural to a bright thinker. This Mr. Raymond Percy is admittedly, by the canon's evidence, a minister of eccentric ways. His con-nection with England's proudest and fairest does not seemingly prevent a taste for the society of the real low-down. On the other hand, the prisoner Smith is, by general agreement, a man of irr'sistible fascination. I entertain no doubt that Smith led the Revered Percy into the crime and forced him to hide his head in the real crim'nal class. That would fully account for his non-appearance, and the failure of all attempts to trace him." "It is impossible, then, to trace him?" asked Moon. "Impossible," repeated the specialist, shutting his eyes. "You are sure it's impossible?" "Oh dry up, Michael," cried Gould, irritably. "We'd 'have found 'im if we could, for you bet 'e saw the burglary. Look for your own 'ead in the dustbin. You'll find that-- after a bit," and his voice died away in grumbling. "Arthur," directed Michael Moon, sitting down, "kindly read Mr. Raymond Percy's letter to the court." |
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Manalive Gilbert K. Chesterton |
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