"By the way," he said, "has Mr. Plumber been writing under his own name?" "Not he. The stuff is anonymous. It is inconceivable that any one could wish to be known as its author?" "Then may I ask how you know that Mr. Plumber is its author?" Mr. Luxmare appeared to be a trifle non-plussed--as did his associate. But the people's warden stuck to his guns. "It is common report in the parish that Mr. Plumber is a contributor to a paper which would not be admitted to a decent house. We are here as church officers to acquaint you with that report, and to request you to ascertain from Mr. Plumber whether or not it is well founded." "In other words, you wish me to associate myself with vague scandal about Queen Elizabeth, and to play the part of Paul Pry in the private affairs of my friend and colleague." Mr. Luxmare rose from his chair. "If, sir, you decline to accede to our request, we shall go from you to Mr. Plumber. We shall put to him certain questions. Should he decline to answer them, or should his replies not be satisfactory, we shall esteem it our duty to report the matter to the Bishop. For my own part, I say, without hesitation, that it would be a notorious scandal that a contributor to such a paper as _Skittles_ should be a minister in our beloved parish church." The vicar still smiled, though it is conceivable that, for once in a way, his smile was merely on the surface. "Then, in that case, Mr. Luxmare, you will take upon yourself a great responsibility." "Mr. Harding, I took upon myself a great responsibility when I suffered myself to be made the people's warden. It is not my intention to attempt to shirk that responsibility in one jot or in one tittle. To the best of my ability, at any cost, I will do my duty, though the heavens fall." The vicar meditated some moments before he spoke again. Then he addressed himself to both his visitors. "I tell you what I will do, gentlemen. I will go to Mr. Plumber and tell him what you say. Then I will acquaint you with his answer." "Very good!" It was Mr. Luxmare who took upon himself to reply. "At present that is all we ask. I would only suggest, that the sooner your visit is paid the better." "Certainly. There I do agree with you; it is always well to rid oneself of matters of this sort as soon as possible. I will make a point of calling on Mr. Plumber directly you are gone." Possibly, when his visitors had gone, the vicar was inclined to the opinion that he had promised rather hastily. Not only did he not start upon his errand with the promptitude which his own words had suggested, but even when he did start, he pursued such devious ways that several hours elapsed between his arrival at the curate's and the departure of the deputation.