long flannel nightgown lay on the ground between
the steaming bath and the bed, and a quantity of water lay about on the
floor, in footprints and otherwise.

"May I ask what is the meaning of this disgraceful--"

"I'm sorry, sir," said Jack briefly, "but Frank Guiseley's bolted. I've
just found this note." It did not occur to him, as he handed the note to
a bare arm, coyly protruded from the tangled bed-clothes, that this very
officer of the college was referred to in it as "that ass" and "the
little man." ... All his attention, not occupied with Frank, was fixed
on the surprising new discovery that deans had bodies and used real
baths like other people. Somehow that had never occurred to him he had
never imagined them except in smooth, black clothes and white linen. His
discovery seemed to make Mr. Mackintosh more human, somehow.

The Dean read the note through as modestly as possible, holding it very
close to his nose, as his glasses were unattainable, with an arm of
which not more than the wrist appeared. He swallowed in his throat once
or twice, and seemed to taste something with his lips, as his manner
was.

"This is terrible!" said the Dean. "Had you any idea--"

"I knew he was going some time to-day," said Jack, "and understood that
you knew too."

"But I had no idea--"

"You did telegraph, didn't you, sir?"

"I certainly telegraphed. Yes; to Lord Talgarth. It was my duty. But--"

"Well; he spotted it. That's all. And now he's gone. What's to be done?"

Mr. Mackintosh considered a moment or two. Jack made an impatient
movement.

"I must telegraph again," said the Dean, with the air of one who has
exhausted the resources of civilization.

"But, good Lord! sir--"

"Yes. I must telegraph again. As soon as I'm dressed. Or perhaps you
would--"

"Office doesn't open till eight. That's no good. He'll be miles away by
then."

"It's the only thing to be done," said the Dean with sudden energy. "I
forbid you to take any other steps, Mr. Kirkby. I am responsible--"

"But--"

"We must not make a scandal.... What else did you propose?"

"Why--fifty things. Motor-cars; police--"

"Certainly not. We must make no scandal as he ... as he very properly
says." (The Dean swallowed in his throat again. Jack thought afterwards
that it must have been the memory of certain other phrases in the
letter.) "So if you will be good enough to leave me instantly, Mr.
Kirkby, I will finish my dressing and deal with the m