The hired man looked thoughtful for a while, then observed that it was a fine evening. Garnet felt that he was begging the question. He was a strong, healthy man, and should have scorned to beg. "Fine evening?" shouted Ukridge. "What—on—earth has that got to do with it? I want to know why you and Mrs. Beale were both out when we arrived?" "The missus went to Axminster, Mr. Ukridge, sir." "She had no right to go to Axminster. I don't pay her large sums to go to Axminster. You knew I was coming this evening." "No, Mr. Ukridge, sir." "You didn't!"[63] [63] "No, Mr. Ukridge, sir." "Beale," said Ukridge with studied calm, "one of us two is a fool." "I noticed that, sir." "Let us sift this matter to the bottom. You got my letter?" "No, Mr. Ukridge, sir." "My letter saying that I should arrive to-night. You did not get it?" "No, sir." "Now look here, Beale," said Ukridge, "I am certain that that letter was posted. I remember placing it in my pocket for that purpose. It is not there now. See. These are all the contents of my—well, I'm hanged!" He stood looking at the envelope he had produced from his breast pocket. Mr. Beale coughed. "Beale," said Ukridge, "you—er—there seems to have been a mistake." "Yes, sir."[64] [64]
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