Free Person or Persons Unknown by Bruce Alexander Page B

captain.
    “By no means,” said Sir John. “I do believe, however, that he would be responsive in a more formal setting.”
    “The full weight of the law, is that it?”
    “Something of the sort, I suppose. In any case, will you grant him permission to appear as witness?”
    “I will, of course, if I may have him back.”
    “Beg pardon? I do not understand. Captain. If there is no need to bind him for trial, of course you may have him back.”
    “And if there is such need, we shall also want him back so that we may convene a military court-martial. Military justice is swift, sure, and impartial. Sir John.”
    “Well, I am convinced that it is swift, in any case. But see here. Captain, it is entirely too early to argue about matters of jurisdiction. A coroner’s court must be convened in order to establish formally that the matter at hand is murder.”
    “Is there any doubt of it?”
    “No, but a surgeon has examined the body and will give testimony. A good deal may be established by him in favor of your Private Sperling.”
    “Or against him.”
    “Indeed. Yet it is an open inquiry that draws no conclusion on guilt or probable guilt.”
    “I see,” said the captain. “And who is the coroner?”
    “Uh, well,” Sir John hesitated, “I am acting in that capacity pro tern.”
    Captain Conger looked at him in a manner most skeptical. He considered. At last he said, “Sir John Fielding, I bow to your reputation, for it is a good one. Nevertheless, I shall not allow you simply to whisk him off as you seem to suggest. Private Sperling will go with an armed guard to Bow Street. If any attempt is made to hold him, or bind him over for criminal trial, they will be under my orders to bring him back to the Tower, and if necessary, to use force.”
    Though apparently vexed. Sir John nodded his acceptance, but then said he: “Then, I, too, have stipulations. They are these: First of all. Private Sperling is not to be brought in chains, for he is a witness and does not stand accused of any crime.”
    “Agreed.”
    “Second, that Corporal Tigger be a member of the guard party, and that he himself be allowed to testify.”
    Though the frown on the captain’s face indicated he had no real understanding of the implications of this proviso, he offered no objection.
    “Agreed,” said he.
    “And finally, that at least one other of equal or superior rank be in the party to ensure that Corporal Tigger and Private Sperling do not discuss in any way the crime or their activities of the day past.”
    “Agreed.”
    “Then if you are satisfied. Captain, I am,” said Sir John, smiling pleasantly. “And I offer you my hand upon it.”
    Which indeed he did, wherewith the two shook hands.
    “By the bye. Captain Conger, I wonder, is Lieutenant Churchill about? I encountered him last year. I think it only proper that I look in on him while visiting the Tower.”
    “Sir John, he is off shooting in, as you put it earlier, ‘some woody comer of the realm,’ as is near every officer in the regiment but me. Note, sir, that I am putting my trust in you in this matter. If you go against me in it, I shall be sore embarrassed and will no doubt suffer evil consequences. Good day to you, sir.”
    With that, he turned on his heel and walked away at his brisk campaigner’s pace.
    “The hearing is at eleven this morning,” Sir John called after him. (Though the captain gave no sign, I was sure he heard.) And to me Sir John said: “The man drives a damned hard bargain.” Then, remembering, he called out again loud and clear: “And, Captain! Do see that Private Sperling brings his bayonet along.”
    To which the captain gave out the reply: “It shall be done. Sir John.”
    “Gentlemen, this is a solemn proceeding under law to determine the nature of the death of one Teresa O’Reilly. To that end, we have assembled witnesses to give testimony that may or may not be pertinent when and if a magistrate’s hearing be called on this