After the prisoner had bowed with a self-possession and an ample
courtesy to the presiding magistrate, and to his late employer--which
both gentlemen thought in the circumstances were very remarkable--and
he had stepped down from the dock, Mr. Octavius Crumpett said to his
acquaintance and fellow-clubman, Mr. Ashmole Pursglove, “Pursglove,
this affair has cost me much pain. That man has been in the
counting-house of Crumpett and Hawker seven years, and I understand
that in all that time his conduct has been exemplary. Yet his career
reveals a depth of depravity that is truly shocking. Not one of his
companions in the office had suspected it.”
“I can only remark, Crumpett,” said Mr. Ashmole Pursglove, “that in my
judgment that man has the air and demeanour of a finished criminal.
I am afraid there is nothing to be said for a man of that type. Our
social system makes no sort of provision for him. If I could have my
way he would be detained as a hopeless lunatic. He would not be given
back to society again.”
“It is curious, Pursglove,” said Mr. Octavius Crumpett, “what an
insight into the human heart is given to some men. You know Murtle.
Well, Murtle said to me, after having witnessed the man give himself
into custody, ‘There is not the least doubt in my mind, Crumpett, that
that man is capable of anything.’ And I little thought when Murtle said
this, upon, as I considered, very insufficient data, how amply his
judgment was to be confirmed.”
After Mr. Octavius Crumpett had shaken hands very cordially with the
presiding magistrate, had also thanked him for his disinterested
services, and further, had subscribed five pounds to the funds of the
court, he entered a hansom and requested to be driven to his club. In
the course of the journey he continually made the observation: “Murtle
was right! Murtle was quite right! What an astonishing insight that man
has into the human heart!”