MISS HITCHEN 257 



" He ought to be locked up for life," said Bobby. 

 "Idiot! If I could only make the beast tipsy 

 I might do something with him, but he drinks 

 nothing — only stone ginger-beer." 



"Ah! " suddenly said Miss Hitchen, pausing. 



" What is it? " asked Mr Dashwood. 



" An idea." 



" Yes? " 



" Why not sequestrate him? " 



" What's that? " 



" Hide him away." 



" Where on earth could I hide him? " 



" Good gracious, Bobby, haven't you any 

 imagination? " 



" Not much," replied the unfortunate Bobby. 

 " I was never any good at working out things, 

 and now I'm so addled I can't think." 



" Well, now, hsten to me. / don't want to be 

 accessory before the act in this business, and I 

 only make suggestions. Tell me, do you not 

 sometimes go duck-shooting? " 



" Yes." 



"Where do you go? " 



" Essex." 



" Where in Essex (I know, because you have 

 several times told me, but I want you to answer 

 all my questions) — where in Essex do you go 

 duck-shooting? " 



" Why, you know very well it's Flatmarsh, down 

 near Canvey Island." 



" Where do you stay there? " 



