You're a loyalist. At
least you used to be when I was here, and it's just as plainly your
duty to support agents as it is Doyle's to abuse them."
"I don't object to him because he's an agent," said Major Kent. "I
object to him because he's a meddlesome ass, and keeps the whole place
in continual hot water."
"Very well. That's a distinct and definite charge. If you can prove
it, I'll take the matter up and deal with the man. Pass the tobacco."
Meldon filled and lit his pipe. Then he got up and walked across to
Major Kent's writing-table. He chose out a pen, took a quantity of
notepaper and a bottle of ink. With them he returned to his armchair
and sat down. He put the ink-bottle on the arm of the chair and,
crossing his legs, propped the paper on his knee.
"Do be careful, J. J.," said the Major. "You'll certainly upset that
ink-bottle, and this is a new carpet."
"We are engaged now," said Meldon, "on a serious investigation. You
have demanded that a certain man should be punished in a perfectly
frightful manner. I've agreed to carry out your wishes, _if_--mark my
words--if he deserves it. You ought not to be thinking of carpets or
ink-bottles.
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