the form of real evidence be tendered us.” So it was that for a fraction of a minute he remained silent. “I take it they gave you no such assurance?” “How could they do such a thing?” exclaimed the other. “Come, Harry, be reasonable!” Garlett started once more his restless pacing up and down the now brightly lit room; then, all at once, he turned on the older man. “I consider myself entitled to such an assurance, and I won’t be satisfied with less. The greatest indignity that can be put on an innocent man has been put on me. You weren’t present during my interview with that police inspector, Kentworthy! At first the man scarcely took the trouble to conceal his belief that I was a murderer.” As the other uttered an impatient exclamation, he added: “Can’t you see what it would mean to me, to Jean, to feel 87that awful possibility always hanging over us? I’ve made up my mind to go to the Home Office myself to-morrow morning. If they refuse to give me an assurance that the matter is closed once and for all, I shall insist on my right to an exhumation order.” 87 “Then you will do a stupid, as well as a very cruel and selfish thing,” said the doctor sharply. “Cruel? Selfish? I don’t follow you——” And as the other remained silent he went on, in a low voice, “Again I ask you to try and realize what it would mean—not only to myself but to Jean—if, after we had been married say six months, or a year, we suddenly learnt that an exhumation order had been issued.” Dr. Maclean began to feel thoroughly angry. “Pull yourself together, man,” he said sharply, “and don’t go havering on as to what might happen—I am thinking of what will certainly happen if you follow the course you propose.” Harry Garlett stared at Dr. Maclean. “What d’you mean?” “I mean that you’ve really only been considering yourself in this matter. You’re not really thinking of that poor little girlie who loves you——” “I am thinking of her—only of her!” “You’re doing nothing of the sort. If you had only yourself to think of you might insist
Prev.
Back
Top