the Judge started, and the defendant
half rose from his seat and, when his solicitor laid a hand on his arm,
sank back with bayed ferocity in his eyes and a face the colour of
cigar-ash.

"I don't think you quite understood my question," purred counsel. "On
the twenty-second of May, the day of the accident to the plaintiff's
car, did Mr. Bladder's car, of which you were in charge, leave the
garage?"

"Yes," said Dale sturdily, "it did."

"You understand what you're saying?" said the Judge.

"Yes, sir. An' if I was to say anythin' else, I'd not only be tellin' a
lie, but I'd be doin' in the bes' friend as ever I 'ad." He pointed to
me. "The Captain there. Little I knowed, when I took 'is
money"--scornfully he nodded at the defendant--"'oo it was we run into
that day. Twenty-five pound it was, an' another twenty-five if we won
the case."

"My lord," said counsel, protesting, "I----"

The Judge held up his hand and turned to the witness.

"Remember you are on your oath."

"I do that, sir. It's gospel truth what I'm sayin'. The accident
'appened exactly as you've 'eard them tell. 'E was drivin', an' me by
'is side. Tore by 'em, we did, an' 'it 'em an' left 'em. Sends me up to
Town for a new 'ub-cap the nex' day. Lettin' 'er out, 'e was, to see 'ow
she'd run after the over'aul. That was the day before."

He paused for lack of breath, and the Judge turned his head slowly and
peered at counsel over the rim of his glasses.

I was looking at the defendant.

If any corroboration of Dale's story were needed, it was written upon
his master's face for all to see. Guilt, fear, and beastly rage were
horribly depicted. The close-set eyes shifted frantically from side to
side. The mouth worked uncontrollably....

As I looked, the fellow rose to his feet, swayed, put a hand to his
throat, and stepped uncertainly towards the doors. The crowd parted, and
he passed through....

A thick voice shattered the silence.

"In the circumstances your lordship will appreciate that I can carry my
case no further."

With a swish of silk, counsel resumed his seat.

As was to be expected, the jury delivered its verdict without leaving
the box. As the applause subsided--

"I ask for judgment with costs," said Tristram.

The Judge nodded.

"And I direct," he said, "that the documents of the case be impounded
and be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions."

Amid the buzz of excitement which succeeded his words, I felt a touch