ng to himself.

"But if they think the jury will be bound to believe that he stabbed
her, no doubt they would go in for blackening her, and then they might
cross-examine her about those other things."

"That is where the danger comes in."

Sydney's words were equivalent to another question, but Johnson
preserved a perfectly stolid face. It was all very well for him to
advise his employer, and work up his cases for him if necessary. He was
accustomed to do both these things, and his help had been invaluable to
Sydney for several years past. But it was out of his line to display
more confidence than was displayed in him, or to venture on delicate
ground before he had received a lead.

"Yes, that's were the danger comes in," Sydney repeated. "I have reason
to believe that there is a disposition on their part to keep the lady's
name out of the case; but they are not pledged to it; and if they find
things looking very bad for Walcott, they may show fight in that
direction. Then there is Mr. Milton--no instructions can altogether gag
counsel. I don't know that I have ever given him cause of offence, but I
have an instinctive feeling that he would rather enjoy putting me in a
hole."

"I think you would have the judge with you in any objection which you
might take."

"But it would be a misfortune, as things stand, even to have to take
objection. Not only do I want to avoid the introduction of these
extraneous matters, but I should strongly object to figure in any way as
watching Miss Campion's interests. It would be very bad indeed for me to
have to do that. What I desire is that her interests should at no moment
of the trial appear, even to those who know the circumstances, to be
involved."

"I quite see," said Johnson. "And since you ask me, I don't think you
have much to fear. It is a delicate position, but both sides are of the
same mind on the particular point, and it is most improbable that any
indiscretion will occur. Prosecution and defence both want to avoid a
certain pitfall--when they won't struggle on the edge of it. What do you
say, Mr. Campion, to setting forth in your opening statement all that is
known about their previous quarrels, not concealing that the woman has
been rather outrageous, in her foreign fashion, but quietly ignoring the
fact of her jealousy?"

"That would be too bold--it would excite her, and possibly move the
defence to needless retorts."

"As for exciting her, if she is thoroughly