is quite true," said the officer.

"Now, it is useless to examine more witnesses in proof of what I
say. All that may be considered in detail when the case comes
before the procurator fiscal. But Mr. Drever has found one witness
whose evidence is of the greatest importance, and I will have that
witness called.

"Macfarlane, bring in Thora Kinlay.

"Ericson, my lad, sit down here with Mr. Drever."

Stepping towards the schoolmaster I faced the door through which
Macfarlane had disappeared, giving a pat of recognition to Colin
Lothian's dog as I passed it. And now that door was reopened, and
my dear school friend Thora came in.

It was the first time I had seen her since her illness. She seemed
taller and more stately, and I mutely marvelled at the delicate
beauty of her fair face and at the brightness of her deep-blue
eyes.

Our eyes met, and we simply pronounced each other's name.

"Halcro!" said she; "Thora!" said I.

And then Colin Lothian's dog sprang about her skirts in joyful
greeting, and followed her to the middle of the room.

Bailie Duke, after a consultation with Mr. Drever, called Thora to
the table and administered the oath. She pronounced the words with
grave solemnity.

"I understand, Thora," said Mr. Duke, "that you know something
concerning the death of Colin Lothian?"

"Yes," said Thora. "I know all about it, Mr. Duke."

"What! You can tell how it happened? You know who committed the
deed?"

Lothian's dog here licked her hand. She sent it away, and it
wandered about the room until it came to Tom Kinlay.

"Yes, I can tell you that," she replied.

And then she turned round, pointing with accusing finger at Tom
Kinlay, "'Twas him that did it. I saw it all. See, even the dog
kens its own master's blood!"

At Kinlay's feet crouched Lothian's dog, snarling angrily as it
looked at a stain on the young man's trousers.

Consternation filled me as I heard this terrible accusation. Mr.
Drever alone of those present seemed unmoved; he alone seemed to
have expected it. Tom Kinlay's face grew pale and haggard, and he
almost tottered as he stood there with all eyes directed upon him.

When the excitement had subsided, Mr. Duke looked towards Thora and
asked her to tell all she knew, in her own way, and to omit no
detail. She accordingly stepped a little nearer to the table,
resting her hand upon it, and gave her evidence in a clear,
unfaltering voice. Her narrative was to the following effect: