icult of control, he believed. Prisoner was by
nature intolerant to a fault. He had shown this disposition in presence
of witness on many occasions.

Being shown the knife found in the cellar, he examines it carefully, and
pronounces it to be the one he has often seen in Doctor Heath's
instrument case, or its precise counterpart.

This ends his testimony. O'Meara has no questions to ask, and Jasper
Lamotte takes his son's place. He is the last witness for the
prosecution.

He has less to say than any of the others.

He had heard of his son-in-law's encounter with Doctor Heath, of course;
knew that a feud existed between them, could not so much as guess at the
nature of it. The prosecuting attorney is about to dismiss him _sans
ceremonie_, when Mr. O'Meara, springs into sudden activity and announces
his desire to examine the witness.

His opponent stares astonished, a murmur runs through the room; the
Court bids him proceed.

"Mr. Lamotte," begins O'Meara, rising to his feet with provoking
slowness, and then propounding his questions with a rapidity which
leaves the witness no time for thought. "Mr. Lamotte, what can you tell
us of this missing witness, Brooks?"

Mr. Lamotte stares in mute astonishment, then instinctively scenting
danger ahead, he makes an effort to rally his forces that have been
scattered by the lawyer's unexpected bomb.

"What do I know of the man Brooks?" he repeats slowly. "I don't
comprehend you, sir."

"I asked a plain question," retorts the lawyer, crisply.

"I believe the man has been in my employ," ventures the witness, as if
making an effort to recall some very insignificant personage.

"When?"

"That I do not remember, sir."

"Ah! Perhaps you have forgotten when last you saw this fellow, Brooks?"

"I think I saw him, for the last time, two days before my son-in-law was
killed. I was at the depot, starting for the city. I think Brooks left
town on the same train."

"And you have not seen him since?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"Make an effort to think, sir. Brooks has been seen in W---- since. It
is known that he has visited Mapleton. Try to recall that visit."

Mr. Lamotte ponders and falls into the trap.

"A man came to Mapleton on the day of Mr. Burrill's funeral," he says,
slowly. "I believe, upon reflection, that it _was_ Brooks; he wished to
see the body."

"Did you see this man on that occasion?"

"I did; for a moment only; he came to me with his request."

"Y