John sat down meekly and wrote to the editor of I Say , as the Rev. Peter commanded. The Rev. Peter dictated in round tones of a man practising a speech:

“ ‘Dear Sir:

“ ‘I have seen your infamous article. It is a cruel and disgusting libel. I wish to state publicly that I had nothing to do with the death of Emily Gaunt; that so far as I know no suspicion does rest upon me here or elsewhere; and that, if indeed there is suspicion, it is not in the minds of anyone whose opinion I value, and I can therefore ignore it. In any case I should prefer to do without your dirty assistance.’ ”