the most ladies?"

"Yes."

"You were awarded that badge last year?"

"I was."

"This is your stick, I believe?"

"It was, before it was stolen."

"Did you cut those notches in it?"

"No."

"Who did?"

"I don't know."

"Will you swear that you did not produce this stick at the Detlij Club
and assert that each notch represented a broken heart?"

"I did not."

"Then what did you get the badge for?"

"I don't know." This in a sulky tone.

"Had you a friend of the name of Thomas Thomas?"

"Yes."

"You are aware he confessed everything to Morris?"

"No!" excitedly.

"Well then, I can tell you he did."

"It's a lie."

"Your crest was a broken heart, I believe?"

"It was."

"Why did you choose that?"

"To please myself."

"You know, of course, that you are branded with your own device?"

"Yes."

"Now, with reference to this stick; do you still swear that you never
produced it at the Detlij Club?"

"I do."

"Then what would you say if I brought forward a member of the Club to
prove it?"

"That he's a liar."

"I have nothing more to ask, your worship," said Dr. Haddon, resuming
his seat.

Dick Burton and several minor witnesses were called to complete the case
for the prosecution, and the Court adjourned for luncheon.

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE VERDICT.

The Court was, if possible, more crowded than ever when the case was
resumed. The atmosphere was oppressive in the extreme, and the attention
of everyone was strained to the utmost when Dr. Haddon rose to open the
defence.

"May it please your worship. This case has been described by my learned
friend as unprecedented in the annals of Australian history. I have no
doubt that such is the case, but I sincerely hope from this day onward
it may become a common occurrence."

The effect of this opening was electrical and caused a sensation in the
Court. The Justices whispered portentously among themselves, in doubt
whether the counsel should not be pulled up short.

"I repeat my words," continued the advocate. "I hope it will become a
common occurrence, and furthermore I venture to say that there is not an
Australian present in this building who will not agree with me when he
has heard the evidence. Now the plaintiff, Villiers Wyckliffe, has
informed us through his counsel that he lived the life of an English
gentleman. The only comment I make on that is to say that his class will
need all the help Heaven can give them, for I sh