nesses don't swear up to their proofs.'

'They have given their evidence twice already--at the inquest and
before the magistrates.'

'Yes; but then they weren't cross-examined. It is very different when
they have a man like you to turn them inside out. You're not nervous
about it, are you?'

'Nervous!' He smiled grimly. 'No; it was at my own request I received
this brief. A breach of etiquette, you see'--with another heavy smile.
'If she can be saved, I shall save her. Shall I tell you my defence?'

'No, don't; I would rather be taken by surprise. I don't want to shine
in this case, Heaven knows! Take every advantage I can fairly give
you. I know you don't expect more.'

'Thank you,' was the answer.

There was a little pause, during which neither spoke. At last,
returning to the only topic in either mind, Tressamer observed:

'I have been deep in this ever since it occurred. I have been
running up and down to Porthstone. I was at the inquest and in the
police-court, but I thought it best to do nothing, and let the public
think she was undefended. It may soften their feeling towards her. All
these little things have to be thought of.'

'Yes; don't you remember that famous Shepherdsbury case? The man who
acted for the prisoner--the solicitor, I think it was--made such a
brilliant fight in the police-court that the magistrates hesitated to
commit; but the result was that the Crown knew all about the defence,
and when the real trial came, the man hadn't a chance. Always reserve
your defence.'

'Yes; but you forget, the solicitor has got a splendid practice
through it,' was the bitter answer. 'Few men in the West of England
are doing better in that class of business. Did you know--but of
course you didn't--that I was down at Porthstone only two days before
the thing happened?'

'No; were you?'

'Yes; and I was staying in Abertaff that very night. I intended coming
up to town the first thing in the morning, but something detained me,
and in a few hours the news arrived. So I went down at once, saw
Eleanor at the police-station, and advised her what to do before any
of those meddling Pollards got at her.'

'Pollards? Why, they are briefing me for the prosecution!'

'Yes, I know. Pollard conducted it in the police-court. At the inquest
he represented that man Lewis, the nephew, and very bitter he was,
too. But I made Eleanor choke him off before that. Wouldn't have him
at any price. I have got a quiet old chap