"I say," and he paused for a second—"I say damn women!" he cried, and brought his fist down upon the table.
"Even in that amiable sentiment I cannot agree with you," I answered with a laugh. "And so I will make a call upon the Governor of the castle."
But again he caught me by the arm.
"That would be the ruin of both of you. The Crown presses for an example to be made. And Jervas Rookley, I think, from what you yourself have said, will move heaven and earth to keep you out of court. If you go now to the castle, there is little likelihood of your giving evidence for Mr. Herbert; he must produce you at the trial, and not a moment before."
Thereupon he recommended to me to lie quietly in my lodging during the week, and come not out except to see him now and again of a night. At his bidding, indeed, I repaired to his house on the following evening, and found a tailor there waiting for me. "For," said Mr. Doyle, "we must make the most of our advantages, though my heart aches at dressing you up for the slaughter. But it will make a difference whether a lad in an apron and brass buckles gives himself up, or a proper young gentleman, with an air of means and dignity. Your word will gain credit with the jury. Lord! what a sight we shall have in the spectacle of Jervas Rookley's face. By the way," and he turned towards me with a certain customary abruptness, "Jervas Rookley's face has something changed since I set eyes on it before."
"Indeed," said I, indifferently; "and in what way?"
"It is marred by a scar."
"A scar!" I cried, with considerable satisfaction. "On the right side? It should stretch from the cheek bone to the chin."
"It does," answered Mr. Doyle, dryly. "I wonder how he came by it?"
"Yes, I wonder," said I, reflectively, and chancing to look at each other, our eyes met, and we laughed.