'And so it is! Great heaven, the piano should have been here hours ago!' Mr Bloomfield was clambering back into his boat; but at these words he paused.
'I saw it arrive myself at the station; I hired a carrier man; he had a round to make, but he was to be here by four at the latest,' cried the barrister.

'No doubt the piano is open, and the body found.' 'You must fly at once,' cried Mr Bloomfield, 'it's the only manly step.' 'But suppose it's all right ?' wailed Gideon.

'Suppose the piano comes, and I am not here to receive it?
I shall have hanged myself by my cowardice.

No, Uncle Ned, enquiries must be made in Padwick; I dare not go, of course; but you may--you could hang about the police office, don't you see ?' 'No, Gid--no, my dear nephew,' said Mr Bloomfield, with the voice of one on the rack.

'I regard you with the most sacred affection; and I thank God I am an Englishman--and all that.