"You can hardly have heard the question properly, Mr Railsford; may I
repeat it?"
"I heard it perfectly well," said Railsford.
"You are aware of the very serious nature of your reply? Do you give
any reasons for your refusal?"
"None at all."
"I think," said Mr Grover, rising gallantly to protect his friend, "it
would be well if this meeting adjourned. I submit there is no further
business before us."
"I oppose that," said Mr Bickers, who had recovered his calmness
rapidly. "I propose, Mr Chairman, that this meeting adjourn for five
minutes, while the head-master is invited to come and assist our
decisions."
This was seconded.
"If I may be allowed," said Railsford, "I should like to support that
proposal."
After that, of course, it was agreed to; and for five minutes the
meeting stood suspended.
Railsford's friends utilised the interval by begging him to reconsider
his position, and if possible put himself right by stating all he knew.
He thanked them, but said it was impossible, and finally withdrew again
to his own seat, and waited anxiously for the doctor's arrival.
In due time the head-master arrived, with a tolerable notion of the
object of this unusual summons.
Mr Roe briefly explained what had taken place, and reported the
circumstances under which the head-master's authority was now invited.
For once the doctor looked genuinely distressed. Despite all his
rebuffs, he had for some weeks looked upon the Master of the Shell as
one of the most promising men on his staff; and he deplored the
infatuation which now promised to bring his connection with Grandcourt
to an abrupt end.
But there was no alternative.
"Mr Railsford," said he, "you have heard Mr Roe's statement; is it
correct?"
"Quite correct, sir."
"And you persist in your refusal to say whether or no you have any
knowledge as to who the persons were who assaulted Mr Bickers?"
"I cannot answer the question."
"You know that the inference from such a refusal is that you know the
names and refuse to give them up--in other words, that you are shielding
the evil-doers?"
"I cannot answer that or any question on the subject, Doctor Ponsford.
I am aware of my position, and feel that I have no course open but to
place my resignation in your hands."
Once more poor monsieur started up.
"Oh no. He has good reasons. He is not bad. He must not leave."
The doctor motioned him to be silent, and then, addressing Railsford
said--
"Your resignation of course follows as a natural consequence of the
position you adopt. It is better that you should offer it than that I
should have to ask for it. I shall take a week to consider my duty in
the matter. This meeting is now at an end."