And also he's supposed to be retired. But he carries on for the
love of the thing. Best man ever breathed--remember that!"
Cleek smiled to himself at the sudden onslaught. The young pepper-pot!
Yet he liked him for the loyal defence of his friend, nevertheless. There
were all too few creatures in the world who found it impossible to
suspect those whom they cared for, and who cared for them.
"Sorry to have given any offence, I'm sure," he said, smoothly. "None was
meant, right enough, Sir Nigel. But a policeman has an unpleasant duty,
you know. He's got to keep his eyes and his ears open. So if you find
mine open too far, any time, just tip me the wink and I'll shut 'em up
again."
"Oh, that's all right," said Merriton, mollified, and a trifle shamefaced
at the outburst. Then, with an effort to turn the conversation: "But
think of findin' 'em both, Mr.--er--Headland! Were they--very awful?"
"Pretty awful," returned Cleek, quietly; "eh, Mr. Lake?"
"God bless my soul--_yes_!" threw in that gentleman, with a shudder.
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