"A cap, sir," said the sergeant.
Esmond glanced at the major reproachfully. "You will notice, sergeant,
how reliable he is."
"The fact mentioned wouldn't prevent your seeing what kind of man he
was," said the sergeant, tartly. "He is described as little and pale,
and of a delicate appearance."
"Then if the blow on my head is anything to go by, I really think my
friend was mistaken," said Esmond. "It's my firm opinion the man was
distinctly muscular."
The sergeant stood up, and closed his book. "The affair is a serious
one, and we naturally look to a gentleman of your position for----"
Esmond stopped him with a gesture and a little languid smile, under
which, however, the burly sergeant flushed.
"As I fancy I mentioned, there are matters in which it is hardly the
province of the police to instruct me," he said. "I'm sorry I can't do
anything more for you to-day, sergeant, but if you were to come round
when my head has settled down a little I might be able to recollect the
fellow's appearance rather more distinctly."
"If we are to lay hands on him we must have a warrant at once."
"Then if it depends on me I'm very much afraid you will not get it--and
now, as the doctor insists on quietness, you will excuse me. Can you
reach the bell, Major?"
The sergeant went out fuming inwardly, and Coulthurst laughed. "I'm not
quite sure that I should have let the fellow off," he said. "What made
you do it?"
"I really don't know, and scarcely think it matters," said Esmond
languidly. "Still, you see, I fancy we went a little farther than the
law would sanction, and that being so one could scarcely expect the
other fellow to pay for everything. Now, if I might remind you, Miss
Coulthurst was kind enough to promise to come in and talk to me."
V