, you seem to
have overlooked the important fact that at the regimental inquiry the
verdict was that nobody in particular was to blame."

"Oh, no!" Clarke replied with a harsh laugh. "I merely question its
validity. I imagine that reasons which would not be officially
recognized led the court to take a lenient view. But what of that?
Blake had to leave the army, a ruined man; and I've good reason for
knowing what an acquittal like his is worth." He paused a moment. "I
may as well tell you candidly, because it's probable that you'll make
inquiries about me. Well, I'd won some reputation as a medical
specialist when I became involved in a sensational police case--you may
recollect it."

Challoner started.

"So you are the man! I think nothing was actually proved against you."

"No," said Clarke dryly; "there was only a fatal suspicion. As it
happens, I was innocent; but I had to give up my profession, and my
life was spoiled. There's no reason why you should be interested in
this--I mention it merely because a similar misfortune has befallen
Richard Blake. The point, of course, is that it has done so
undeservedly. I think you must see who the real culprit is."

"You mean to infer that my son is a coward and gave the shameful
order?" Challoner's eyes glittered, though his face was colorless.
"It's unthinkable!"

"Nevertheless it's true. Why did he, without permission and abusing
his authority over the guard, spend two hours late at night with Blake,
who was under arrest? What had they to say that took so long, when
there was a risk of Captain Challoner's being discovered? Why did
Blake make no defense, unless it was because he knew that to clear
himself would throw the blame upon his friend?"

"You press me hard," said Challoner in a hoarse voice. "But that my
son should so have failed in his duty to his country and his cousin is
impossible!"

"Yet you were willing to believe your nephew guilty. Had you any cause
to doubt his courage?"

Challoner felt beaten by the man's remorseless reasoning; there was
scarcely a point he could contest. A conviction that humbled him to
the dust was being forced on him; but he would not let his rough
visitor see him shrink as the truth seared him.

"I'll admit that you have told me a rather likely tale. As you don't
speak of having been in India, may I ask who gave you the information?"

"Blake's companion, the man I've mentioned, a former Indian officer
n