Coulthurst laughed a little, but the sergeant shook his head. "That's not at all the way to look at it, sir," he said. "In a case of this kind one has, if I may point it out, a duty to society."
"And the police?" said Esmond, who made a little gesture. "I really do not think I should ask the opinion of the latter as to what is incumbent on me. Still, that is scarcely the point. You want me to identify the man--and I can't do it."
Esmond laughed. "Have you ever had incipient concussion of the brain? You probably haven't. I believe they line your headgear with cork or cane. Well, in one respect, it's a little unfortunate, since it would have helped you to understand my position. Now, the major says the man's hair was light brown, but so far as I can remember it was red. Are you quite sure it wasn't, Coulthurst?"
Coulthurst appeared reflective. "He certainly had his hat on."
Esmond glanced at the major reproachfully. "You will notice, sergeant, how reliable he is."
"The fact mentioned wouldn't prevent your seeing what kind of man he was," said the sergeant, tartly. "He is described as little and pale, and of a delicate appearance."
"Then if the blow on my head is anything to go by, I really think my friend was mistaken," said Esmond. "It's my firm opinion the man was distinctly muscular."
The sergeant stood up, and closed his book. "The affair is a serious one, and we naturally look to a gentleman of your position for----"
Esmond stopped him with a gesture and a little languid smile, under which, however, the burly sergeant flushed.
"As I fancy I mentioned, there are matters in which it is hardly the province of the police to instruct me," he said. "I'm sorry I can't do anything more for you to-day, sergeant, but if you were to come round when my head has settled down a little I might be able to recollect the fellow's appearance rather more distinctly."
"If we are to lay hands on him we must have a warrant at once."
"Then if it depends on me I'm very much afraid you will not get it--and now, as the doctor insists on quietness, you will excuse me. Can you reach the bell, Major?"
The sergeant went out fuming inwardly, and Coulthurst laughed. "I'm not quite sure that I should have let the fellow off," he said. "What made you do it?"