And in explaining your hesitation to the lieutenant, when you said it was due to your utter amazement at the grotesqueness of the situation, I am certain you there also spoke the truth." "You are a quibbler!" fumed the outraged Judge.

"You made me lie to the police!" "Well, even if I did," returned Mr.Pyecroft in his same mild tone, "is there any one else you would rather lie to ?" The Judge glared, almost choking.

"Have you no respect, man, for common decency--for order--for the law ?" "For order and decency, yes,--but as for ordinary law, I fear I have no more respect than your honor has," Mr.Pyecroft admitted gravely.
"And I acquired my irreverence toward law just as your honor did--from studying it." Judge Harvey stared.
"What! You're a lawyer ?" "I have been admitted to the bar, and have been a law clerk, but have never practiced for myself." "But last night you said you were a clergyman!" "I have gone no deeper into theology, sir, than the price of a clerical suit.

And that was for its moral effect on the police." "Sir," exploded the Judge, "you are utterly incorrigible!" "I trust that I am not, sir," submitted Mr.Pyecroft gravely, hopefully.
At that moment Jack and Mary appeared on tiptoe in the doorway, alive with curiosity; and directly behind them came Matilda.

Upon the latter Judge Harvey turned.
"Well, Matilda, I certainly want to compliment you on your brother!" he exclaimed with irate sarcasm.
"My bro--bro--yes, sir, thank you," weakly returned poor Matilda.
"No wonder, Mr.Simpson," the outraged Judge continued, "that your family disowned you!" "They were justified, certainly, as I told you at the very first," soberly conceded Mr.Pyecroft.
Jack and Mary demanded enlightenment.