highly flattering and quite atoned for the small
disappointment; with deep gratification at the trust that Thorndyke had
reposed in me, I pocketed the letter, handed my notes to Polton, wished
him "Good-evening," and betook myself to Fetter Lane.

CHAPTER XIV

WHICH CARRIES THE READER INTO THE PROBATE COURT

The Probate Court wore an air of studious repose when I entered with
Miss Bellingham and her father. Apparently the great and inquisitive
public had not become aware of the proceedings that were about to take
place, or had not realized their connection with the sensational
"Mutilation Case"; but barristers and Pressmen, better informed, had
gathered in some strength, and the hum of their conversation filled the
air like the droning of the voluntary that ushers in a cathedral
service.

As we entered, a pleasant-faced, elderly gentleman rose and came
forward to meet us, shaking Mr. Bellingham's hand cordially and
saluting Miss Bellingham with a courtly bow.

"This is Mr. Marchmont, Doctor," said the former, introducing me; and
the solicitor, having thanked me for the trouble I had taken in
attending at the inquest, led us to a bench, at the farther end of
which was seated a gentleman whom I recognized as Mr. Hurst.

Mr. Bellingham recognized him at the same moment and glared at him
wrathfully.

"I see that scoundrel is here!" he exclaimed in a distinctly audible
voice, "pretending that he doesn't see me, because he is ashamed to
look me in the face, but----"

"Hush! hush! my dear sir," exclaimed the horrified solicitor; "we
mustn't talk like that, especially in this place. Let me beg you--let
me entreat you to control your feelings, to make no indiscreet remarks;
in fact, to make no remarks at all," he added, with the evident
conviction that any remarks that Mr. Bellingham might make would be
certain to be indiscreet.

"Forgive me, Marchmont," Mr. Bellingham replied contritely. "I will
control myself: I will really be quite discreet. I won't even look at
him again--because, if I do, I shall probably go over and pull his
nose."

This form of discretion did not appear to be quite to Mr. Marchmont's
liking, for he took the precaution of insisting that Miss Bellingham
and I should sit on the farther side of his client, and thus
effectually separate him from his enemy.

"Who's the long-nosed fellow talking to Jellicoe?" Mr. Bellingham asked.

"That is Mr. Loram, K.C., Mr. Hurst's counsel; and the