make a strong circumstantial
chain. Against the charge of murder he could oppose only his own word.
His admitted actions, confession, and motive would be conclusive.

William Dodge sees himself on trial for the murder of Alice Webster,
with Pierre and Paul Lanier posing as friends of justice, aiding its
commissioned officers in vindication of an outraged law.

His weak impulses of fear and self-preservation settled down into a sort
of despairing stupor. He had sent for Sir Donald, but either the message
was not delivered, or that aristocrat declined to come. Possibly Sir
Donald had been refused admittance to the prison. Mary Dodge had not
visited her husband in custody, but perhaps such absence was discreet.
Still, an almost frantic desire to see his family, at times affected
him. Then followed brief stoical relapses, again replaced by fitful
determination to tell the whole tale, regardless of results.

As weeks passed without any formal arraignment or attempt to engage them
in talk on the subject of their arrests, neither being permitted to see
the other or William Dodge, all inquiries for cause of imprisonment
smilingly evaded, the strain on both Pierre and Paul became almost
unbearable. Either could face definite crises with resourceful,
audacious craft, but how meet indefinitely such waiting, obscure,
elusive tactics?

All knew they were entitled to speedy arraignment, and that such
extended custody without criminal charge, aid of counsel, or confronting
of witnesses was a serious abridgment of their rights, but why protest?
They were guilty of felonious crimes. Could it advantage these villains
to have speedy trials? William Dodge dreaded arraignment. Both Laniers
feared the worst. Over against consuming, chafing, harassing
uncertainty, is hesitating, cowering dread.

What could be the object of Calcutta police officials in this queer
procedure? Why should these sworn conservators of public rights,
ruthlessly trample upon statutory prerogatives? Were their oaths mere
formal blasphemies?

There is said to be both letter and spirit in statutes. This is an
elastic shift. Affirmative rights may be negatived by inadequate
remedies. Police supervision is paradoxical. While not versed in subtle
interpretations, it is alive to the right of a little wrong.

At length the reserve of jail officials slightly relaxes. There are
vague hints that confessions have been made. The prisoners become wildly
curious, but replie