Saul, perhaps from an awkward feeling of trembling in his long legs, had resumed his seat, his little eyes more beady, his little round cheeks more ruddy, than ever, his whiskers now entirely disregarded in the importance of his self-vindication.
Too proud for asseveration, Trenholme had not much more to say.

He stated briefly that he could not be responsible for the contents of a box when the contents had run away, nor for any harm that the runaway might do to the neighbourhood, adding that the man who had consigned the box to his care must now come and take it away.
He spoke with a fine edge of authority in his voice, as a man speaks who feels himself superior to his circumstances and companions.

He did not look at the men as he spoke, for he was not yet sure whether they gave him the credence for which he would not sue, and he did not care to see if they derided him.
"I sink," said Turriff, speaking slowly in English now,--"I sink we cannot make that mee-racle be done." "What miracle ?" asked Trenholme.
Those of the men who understood any English laughed.
"Se miracle to make dis genteel-man, M.Saul, fetch se box." Trenholme then saw that Saul's shudderings had come, upon him again at the mere suggestion.
"What am I to do, then ?" he asked.
At this the men had a good deal of talk, and Turrif interpreted the decision.
"We sink it is for M.Bates to say what shall be done wit se box.

We sink we take se liberte to say to sis man--'Stay here till some one go to-morrow and fetch M.Bates.'" This struck Trenholme as just, and any objection he felt to spending the night under the same roof with the mysterious coffin did not seem worth remark.
As for Saul, he professed himself satisfied with the arrangement.

He was only too glad to have some one brought who would share his responsibility and attest, in part at least, his tale.
"Well," said Trenholme, "I'll go then." He felt for the key of the station in his pocket, and would have thanked the men and bid them "good evening," had they not, rather clamorously, deprecated his intention.