money's worth was
obvious. He did not expect to get off, but if he could have seen
Lyveden discredited he would have taken his gruel with a grin.
Venomously he gnawed his fingers....

For the twentieth time counsel drew a bow at a venture.

"You're not under notice to leave your present place?"

"Yes," said Anthony, "I am."

Despite herself, Valerie French started, and the chauffeur at the back
of the court stared at the witness wide-eyed. The court, which had
almost lost interest, pricked up its ears. Hardly disguising his
relief, counsel proceeded to develop the impression in his own
time-honoured way. Turning his back upon the witness, he elevated his
eyebrows and then smiled very pleasantly upon a ventilator immediately
above the jury-box.

"Really?" he said. "This is most interesting. Under notice, are you?
Dear me.... Why?"

"I have given notice myself."

"Oh, indeed. Why?"

"For private reasons."

Counsel appeared to find this answer so highly diverting that after a
moment's hesitation the jury joined in his merriment. As the titter
subsided--

"I'm afraid," said Mr. Blink apologetically, "I'm afraid I can't take
that."

Anthony paled.

"I wish," he said, "to leave the neighbourhood."

"Why?"

Anthony hesitated, and the Judge laid down his pen.

"Mr. Blink, I don't wish in any way to embarrass you, but can this
affect your case?"

An expert in impudence, Mr. Blink was well aware of the amazing
possibilities of consummate audacity.

"My lord," he said solemnly, "my suggestion is that the witness knows
considerably more about this burglary than he is willing to admit."

The improvised shaft went home.

For a moment there was dead silence. Then some one gasped audibly, a
breeze of emotion rustled over the court, and the jury leaned
forward.... Only the Judge, before him a list of the prisoner's
previous convictions, sat like an image.

With a spiteful gleam in his eyes, Mr. Morgan moistened his lips. This
was more like it.

Counsel, now in his element, addressed the witness.

"Whence," he demanded dramatically, "whence this sudden desire to make
yourself scarce?"

Breathlessly the reply was awaited....

None came, however, and counsel took up the running with a dry laugh.

"Very good," he said. "I take your answer."

Anthony stepped down and joined the chauffeur without a word.

Ten minutes later Mr. Blink was fanning the flame of mistrust into a
conflagration. W