"
"I thought there very likely were," said Meldon, "and I need scarcely
say that I'm perfectly ready to answer them, so far as I can with
proper consideration for your peace of mind."
"My peace of mind!"
"Yes. I shan't, of course, say anything which would be liable to upset
you. I know you're here on a holiday, and nothing spoils a holiday so
much as worry of any sort. I have the greatest respect and liking for
you."
"That's what you said when you were telling me that cock-and-bull story
about the drains."
"Doyle's drains are bad," said Meldon. "I hardly exaggerated at all
about that. You ask Simpkins. He wanted-- By the way, have you met
Simpkins yet?"
"No; I haven't. But it isn't about Simpkins I want to talk now."
"That's a pity. I enjoy talking about Simpkins. He's not a bad fellow
at all, though the Major doesn't care for him. But I expect you'll
meet him this afternoon."
"Thanks," said the judge. "I shall be glad of the chance of forming my
own estimate of Simpkins' character. I am sure it will agree with
yours. But to get back to what I was saying about the drains. Would
you mind telling me why you went all the way to Donard to warn me about
the drains?"
"To be perfectly frank--by the way, do you want me to be perfectly
frank?"
"Certainly.
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