Part 33 (2/2)
”That is hardly the way to regard it,” his wife rebuked him. ”I would rather remember that the Jernynghams have a strong claim on our sympathy.”
”It's the main consideration, of course. But we'll decide on the drive to-morrow. It has been a depressing day.”
CHAPTER XX
MURIEL RELIEVES HER MIND
On the Monday morning, Jernyngham was shown into the parlor of the hotel where a commissioned officer of the police sat waiting for him. He had keen, observant eyes, but his manner was quiet, and Jernyngham endeavored to control his impatience.
”I suppose you know that Prescott has returned to his farm?” he said, taking the chair the other pointed to.
”I have been informed so,” the officer replied.
”Then may I ask what you mean to do?”
”We have come to no decision.”
”But your men have a warrant for him!”
The officer changed his position and his expression hinted at forbearance.
”That is so. On the whole, I think it should not have been issued.”
”You must not let the fellow's return influence you unduly.”
”Very true,” said the other with a calm which Jernyngham found maddening.
”It would be unwise to infer too much from that.”
”He is a bold man; he has, no doubt, counted on the effect his coming back would have,” Jernyngham urged.
”It's possible,” the officer agreed.
Jernyngham's nerves had given way beneath the strain he had borne, and he now stood up, trembling with anger.
”Am I to understand that you intend to leave the fellow alone? Now, when he is within your reach, you will not arrest him? The scoundrel killed my son!”
”Might I suggest your sitting down again?” said the officer calmly. ”Let me try to put the matter before you as we look at it. To begin with, we can't very well press the charge you make against Prescott without some proof of the victim's death, which has not been discovered yet. The muskeg, I must remind you, was drained and nothing found. The handsome reward you offered led to no result, though every man in the district who had any time to spare spent it in searching the bluffs. Corporal Curtis has made systematic investigations, but they have been fruitless.”
”Corporal Curtis is a man of whose intelligence I have a very poor opinion!” said Jernyngham hotly.
His companion smiled.
”That's a point upon which I don't altogether share your views.”
”In short, you intend to let the matter drop! I must protest against such a scandalous failure of justice! But you shall not let it drop; I warn you that I shall apply to Ottawa, where there are people who can put upon you the pressure that seems to be needed!”
A look of weariness crept into the officer's face.
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