h three
of the directors of the great company were seated, all looking very
stern. They signed to Ingleborough and West to stand upon their right--
Anson was facing them to the left.

Then there was a brief colloquy in a low tone between the three
directors, ending in one of them saying aloud: "You speak."

The gentleman thus addressed turned to Ingleborough.

"Mr Anson has sought this interview with the directors, Mr
Ingleborough, to inform us that you have made up a malicious tale about
his having been engaged in illicit-diamond-buying. Of course, if you
could prove such a charge, it was your duty to inform us."

"Of course, sir," replied Ingleborough; "but, though I have for some
time suspected him, this affair only occurred during our tiffin-time
this morning, and as soon as we returned to the office I felt bound to
accuse him as my fellow-clerk, and tell him what I intended to do."

"So as to give him, if guilty, a good chance to conceal the diamonds or
escape?"

"Oh no, sir," said Ingleborough quietly. "I took proper precautions
against that."

"Indeed?" said the director. "What did you do?"

"Mr Superintendent Norton is a friend of mine, sir, and I went to him
at once. He and two of his keenest men have been carefully watching
Anson ever since."

"Humph! Quite right," said the director, and he glanced at Anson, who
was smiling contemptuously then; but West had seen him wince sharply
when Ingleborough mentioned the superintendent's name. "Well,"
continued the director, "let us hear your version of this business."

"Really, gentlemen," cried Anson, "I ought to have the assistance of a
law officer and--"

"Stop, Mr Anson," said the director sharply; "we have heard you all
through. Have the goodness to be silent now while Mr Ingleborough
gives us his statement."

"But legal assistance, sir."

"You can have as much as you like, sir, as soon as the matter is brought
before the magistrates. We must first of all hear what Mr Ingleborough
has to say. Now, sir, have the goodness to tell us everything you know
about this business."

Ingleborough made his statement perfectly clearly, and it was listened
to in silence, and the diamonds were produced.

Afterwards the three directors spoke together in a low tone of voice for
a few minutes, ending by turning to Anson to tell him that he must
consider himself for the present as suspended from all further duty in
connection with the company's business