"I know that nothing was said at the inquest about the matter, as Mr. Morley did not wish it to be known that he was in such difficulties.
But a tall man, with a reddish beard, dressed in a great-coat, with a white scarf, served the summons.
Afterwards he went to the midnight service in the parish church, and lured Miss Kent outside by means of a note, which we cannot find.
From what I have gathered this man went with Miss Denham in Mr. Ware's motor-car.
He fled with her, and I fancy he must be either the assassin or an accessory after the fact."
Asher heard all this with extreme surprise. When Steel concluded he touched the bell.
Alexander responded with his usual cheerful and impudent air.
His master addressed him with some severity.
"What about that summons which was served by you on Mr. Morley, of Rickwell?" he demanded.
The lad grew crimson to his ears, and looked at the floor much embarrassed.
"I served it all right, sir," he mumbled.
"You served it," struck in Steel, with emphasis. "That is quite untrue.
A tall man with a red beard served it."
"Alexander, tell the truth. What does this mean?"
The boy began to sob, and drew his coat-sleeve across his eye with a snuffle.
"I thought it was all right," he said, "or I should not have given it to him."
"The summons!
You gave it to someone to serve?"
"Yes, sir.
To Mr. Wilson, mother's lodger."
"Is he tall?
Has he a pale face and a red beard?" asked Steel.
"He has, sir.
He's been with mother six months, and was always kind.
When I got the summons he said that he was going into the country, and would serve it on Mr. Morley."
"Alexander," said Asher in an awful tone, "I gave you money for your railway fare to go to Rickwell.
What have you done with that money, wretched boy?"
"I went to the Hippodrome with another boy," wept Alexander. "I thought as I'd take the holiday, as you'd think I was in the country. Please, sir, I'm very sorry, but I thought Mr. Wilson was all right."
"Did Mr. Wilson come back to say that all was right?" demanded Steel sharply.
"No, sir, he didn't.
Mother and I ain't set eyes on him since he went away to serve the summons.
I was afraid to tell you, sir," he added to his master, "'cause I knew I'd done wrong.
But I hope you won't be hard on me, sir."
"Alexander," said Mr. Asher, "you have disgraced a most respectable office, and can no longer continue in it.
You have spent money, you have wasted time, both given to you for a certain purpose.
For the sake of your mother, who is a hard-working woman, I shall not take any legal steps.
But from this day you cease to be in our employment.
Your wages for the week shall be confiscated, since you have made free with my money.
At five to-day, Alexander, you leave this place forever."
"Oh, sir—please, sir—I didn't——"
"Alexander, I have spoken.
You can depart."
With a howl the boy went out of the room, and sat weeping in the outer office for at least ten minutes.
He was wondering what he should say to his mother, for she was a terrible woman, with a short temper and a hard hand.
His fellow-clerks demanded what was the matter, but Alexander had sense enough to keep his own counsel.
All he said was that the governor had discharged him, and then he wept afresh.
While thus employed Steel made his appearance.
He had been discussing the matter with Asher, and had proposed a course of action in connection with the delinquent to which Asher agreed.
He advanced to the weeping Alexander and lifted him from his seat by the collar.
"Come, young man," said he, "take me home to your mother at once."