"
The unfortunate tutor was certainly in a state of pitiable
agitation when we found him in his chambers. In a few hours the
examination would commence, and he was still in the dilemma
between making the facts public and allowing the culprit to
compete for the valuable scholarship. He could hardly stand
still, so great was his mental agitation, and he ran towards
Holmes with two eager hands outstretched.
"Thank Heaven that you have come! I feared that you had given it
up in despair. What am I to do? Shall the examination proceed?"
"Yes; let it proceed by all means."
"But this rascal ----?"
"He shall not compete."
"You know him?"
"I think so. If this matter is not to become public we must
give ourselves certain powers, and resolve ourselves into a small
private court-martial. You there, if you please, Soames! Watson,
you here! I'll take the arm-chair in the middle. I think that
we are now sufficiently imposing to strike terror into a guilty
breast. Kindly ring the bell!"
Bannister entered, and shrunk back in evident surprise and fear
at our judicial appearance.
"You will kindly close the door," said Holmes.
Pages:
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370