Then, after a very few preliminaries, forming a sort of introduction to
the masters of the boys' father and guardian, the Colonel spoke about
the great unpleasantness of the matter and the Doctor's desire to have
what seemed like a cloud hanging over his establishment swept away.

He addressed a few words then to Rampson, who had nothing more to say
after declaring his perfect certainty that not one of the boys he had
the honour of instructing would have been guilty of such a crime.

Monsieur Brohanne, too, declared himself as lost in astonishment at the
trouble which had come upon them like a sudden tempest. No, by his
faith, he said, he could not think how such an outrage could have taken
place.

Morris was disposed to be more voluble, and the Colonel more ready to
examine him, while the master was prompt and eager in his replies,
sighing as if with relief as the Colonel at length stopped short and sat
patting the carpet with his right toe. "Well, sir," said the Doctor at
last, "seeing that, as I told you, I carefully examined the servants, I
had plunged as far as this in the mystery before."

"Humph!" grunted the Colonel, with his eyes closed, and Glyn and Singh
exchanged glances.

"The servants," said the Colonel softly; "the servants. Doctor, I
should like you to ring for that man of yours."

Morris glanced at the Doctor, who bowed his head, and the usher stepped
to the bell.

"Oh, father!" cried Glyn excitedly, "pray don't suspect Wrench!"

"Hold your tongue, sir," said the Colonel sternly. "Wait and hear what
is said, and don't jump at conclusions."

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE.

UNDER EXAMINATION.

Then there was a tap and Wrench appeared. "Come in, my man," said the
Colonel, "and close the door."

Wrench started, turned pale and then red, as he looked sharply at his
master, who sat perfectly still and avoided his gaze.

"Come a step nearer, my man," said the Colonel. Wrench gazed at him
defiantly, shook himself, jerked up his head, looked hard at the two
boys, who were watching him, tightening his lips the while, and then,
after taking two steps instead of one, stood facing the Colonel, as much
as to say: "Now, ask me as many questions as you like."

"Your master has deputed me, my man, to carry on this investigation, and
I should be obliged by your replying in a straightforward, manly way.
You are not before a magistrate, and hence are not sworn. Doctor Bewley
gives you an admirable cha