welcome to the cap if he found it fitted him. To that he added a
suggestion that, as the conversation appeared to be tiresome to the
ladies, it would be better to change its topic. Count Samoval consented,
but with the promise, rather threateningly delivered, that it should be
continued at another time. That, sir, is all, I think."

"Have you any questions for the witness, Captain Tremayne?" inquired the
judge-advocate.

As before, Captain Tremayne's answer was in the negative, coupled
with the now usual admission that Colonel Grant's statement accorded
perfectly with iris own recollection of the facts.

The court, however, desired enlightenment on several subjects. Came
first of all Carruthers's inquiries as to the bearing of the prisoner
when ordered under arrest, eliciting from Colonel Grant a variant of the
usual reply.

"It was not inconsistent with innocence," he said.

It was an answer which appeared to startle the court, and perhaps
Carruthers would have acted best in Tremayne's interest had he left the
question there. But having obtained so much he eagerly sought for more.

"Would you say that it was inconsistent with guilt?" he cried.

Colonel Grant smiled slowly, and slowly shook his head. "I fear I could
not go so far, as that," he answered, thereby plunging poor Carruthers
into despair.

And now Colonel Fletcher voiced a question agitating the minds of
several members of the count.

"Colonel Grant," he said, "you have told us that on the night in
question you had Count Samoval under observation, and that upon word
being brought to you of his movements by one of your agents you yourself
followed him to Monsanto. Would you be good enough to tell the court why
you were watching the deceased's movements at the time?"

Colonel Grant glanced at Lord Wellington. He smiled a little
reflectively and shook his head.

"I am afraid that the public interest will not allow me to answer your
question. Since, however, Lord Wellington himself is present, I
would suggest that you ask his lordship whether I am to give you the
information you require."

"Certainly not," said his lordship crisply, without awaiting further
question. "Indeed, one of my reasons for being present is to ensure that
nothing on that score shall transpire."

There followed a moment's silence. Then the president ventured a
question. "May we ask, sir, at least whether Colonel Grant's observation
of Count Samoval resulted from any knowle