“I’d like to see this put in as evidence in a court of law,” chuckled Mr. Harkins. “It bears neither date nor attestation, concerns one Dickson, not Dickinson, and gives no hint as to Michael’s authority.”
“I shouldn’t wonder if Michael could explain himself if he were here,” said Dr. Brayton, thoughtfully.
“You certainly wouldn’t give weight to an indefinite unauthenticated certificate like that!” protested Mr. Harkins.
“Yes, if I were convinced that it represented a genuine attempt to give the information we ask,” replied Dr. Brayton. “I don’t know whether to take this seriously or not.”
“What evidence should you consider sufficient to disprove the charge?” asked Mr. Pope, turning to Mr. Harkins. Dick gave the teacher a grateful look; it was the question he wanted to ask.
“Why—er—” Mr. Harkins was momentarily at a loss; his interest was all on the negative side. “Why, any trustworthy record of the day’s events which showed that Dickinson did not take part.”
“There probably was no official report,” Dick ventured to say.
“Well, any definite statement by reliable people who were in a position to know,” said Professor Loder.
“A newspaper report of the day’s events, perhaps?” suggested Dick, trying to control his eagerness.
“Yes, if it were definite,” assented the professor.