true they might be, would not save the man she loved; and save
him she would, at whatever cost.

Her mind was made up at length. She saw her course of action, and she
believed, too, that she saw a way whereby the truth might be
demonstrated.

"Paul, Paul, my love!" she cried. "Do not fear. I will save you, in
spite of everything."

She threw herself beside her bed and prayed for wisdom, prayed for
strength. She cared nothing for the sacrifices she might be called
upon to make, or the sufferings which she might have to endure. She
only asked God to help her to save the man she loved.

The following morning Mary Bolitho left the hotel and found her way to
the assize courts. Early as it was, she found some of the officials
present. One of them, who had seen her the day before and had been
informed who she was, touched his hat respectfully.

"I've been wondering," said Mary, smiling at the man, "whether you
could help me?"

"I'm sure I will if I can, miss," he replied.

"You were here at the courts all day yesterday?" she asked.

"Yes, miss, I was, and a sad business it was too, wasn't it? Ah, miss,
it's not all fun being a judge, as I've no doubt you know very well. I
was saying to my missis only last night as 'ow I wouldn't like to be in
your father's place. T'other day, afore th' assizes were opened, and
people saw his lordship coming into the city, they thought what a grand
thing it were, but they don't realise what he's got to do."

The man was of a friendly, garrulous disposition, and seemed pleased at
the opportunity of talking to his fair visitor.

"Are you interested in this case?" she asked.

"Ay, miss, who isn't? I heard Mr. Stepaside speak in the Free Trade
Hall here once, and I cannot believe he is a murderer. It were a grand
speech he gave. There were a Cabinet Minister who spoke before he did,
and people thought he were doing grandly, but when young Stepaside got
up he took the wind out of his sails completely. As the manner of
saying is, he made the people stand on their heads. It's noan for the
likes of me to pass opinions, but I can never believe as 'ow Mr.
Stepaside is guilty."

"Did you notice the woman who came into the court yesterday morning?"

"What, the one as fainted? Ay, but that were Mr. Stepaside's mother.
She fair made me shiver. Well, it was no wonder. Fancy a mother
seeing her son in the dock. I heerd as 'ow she was going to be called
to give evidence."