s questions that he has no
doubt about the matter. Things looked very black against Paul when the
case was adjourned this evening."

A look of wild terror came into Mary's eyes. "But, father, don't you
see?" she cried. "Paul had no secrets from his mother. He told her
everything--everything. When he came home that night, after his
quarrel with Wilson, he would tell the whole story to her.
Afterwards---- Can't you see, father? Can't you see?"

"We've gone over this ground a hundred times," said the judge. "But it
won't do, Mary. In any case, it would be impossible to make an
accusation against her. No one saw her that night, and, as far as I
can see, nothing can be traced to her in any way. And even if it
could---- Don't you understand, Mary?"

"And will you allow Paul to be hanged?"

The judge was silent. They were sitting alone in Paul's study some
days after the judge had made his confession. He had been true to his
promise, and had devoted every possible moment to the elucidation of
the mystery which faced him. He had brought all his knowledge of the
law to bear upon it; he had utilised all his experience in the
discovery of criminals; he had exerted himself to the utmost; but there
was not a ray of light anywhere.

"Do you know anything? Have you heard anything more?" he asked.

"As you know," replied Mary, "she has not been fully conscious ever
since that day. But I have found out something. This afternoon she
has been much better, and now and then there seemed to be some return
of reason."

"Well?"

"Well, her mind is full of this trial, full of the horror of Paul's
situation--you can tell that from her wanderings--and this afternoon I
heard her say these words: 'They make a great deal about the knife.
They say no one could have got into the office; but I was in the
office, and I saw the knife. Paul and I spoke about it.'"

"Yes," said the judge eagerly. "Was there anything else?"

"No, nothing more, nothing more; but surely it is enough?"

The judge was silent for a few seconds.

"If she had been able to attend as a witness this would have come out,"
he said. "I find that she was subpoenaed, but her illness makes it
impossible for her to be there." And he gave a sigh, half of relief,
half of sorrow.

"And can you do nothing, nothing?" asked Mary.

"Nothing yet," said the judge.

"But you cannot believe they will find him guilty?"

"Paul will be allowed to make a speech i