ossible for a dweller in this classic and hitherto unpolluted town, to
be a liar and to perjure himself most foully.

"Let the Honorable George Heathercliffe take the stand.

"And mark you, this gentleman _is_ the Honorable George Heathercliffe,
of Cliffe Towers, Hampshire, England, member of parliament, and honored
of the Queen. His passports have been examined by our honorable judge,
thereby saving the necessity for too much unpolished Yankee criticism."

"It has failed to save us a dose of Irish pig-headedness, however,"
interpolates the opposing barrister.

During the burst of smothered laughter that follows, the stately
fair-haired stranger quits his place beside Constance, and takes the
stand.

He is duly sworn, and then Mr. O'Meara begins, with much impressiveness:

"Mr. Heathercliffe, turn your eyes upon the prisoner, my client. Have
you ever seen him before entering this court room?"

The Honorable George Heathercliffe turns toward the prisoner, and a
smile deepens the blue of his eyes, and intensifies the kindly
expression of his handsome mouth.

"I have seen the prisoner before," he replies, still smiling.

"Have you known him previous to his advent in W----?"

"I have."

"For long?"

"For many years."

"My honorable opponent has hinted that there is a mystery hanging about
this man. He even hazards a guess that his name may not be Clifford
Heath. Do you know aught of this mystery?"

"I do."

"Does the prisoner bear a name not his own?"

"He does not bear his own name entire."

"Mr. Heathercliffe, who is this man who calls himself Doctor Clifford
Heath?"

"He is _Sir Clifford Heathercliffe_, and my elder brother."

CHAPTER XLII.

A TORTURED WITNESS.

There is a profound sensation in the court room.

Constance Wardour catches her breath, and bends forward to look at her
lover, the color coming and going hotly in her cheeks. She had chosen to
hear nothing of his past, and so Mr. O'Meara has introduced the
Honorable George Heathercliffe, that morning, saying only: "A most
important witness, Constance; a _strong_ witness."

"He is Sir Clifford Heathercliffe, and my elder brother."

Mr. Rand, the prosecuting attorney, moves uneasily in his seat, and
begins to wonder what small shot O'Meara holds back of this big shell.

Without seeming to notice the sensation created by his self-possessed
witness, O'Meara goes on rapidly.

"How long has your brother, Sir Clifford Heathercl