"I was trying to show myself smarter than my betters;" bowing with a great show of respect to the two experts who sat near. "Or, in other words still, I was trying to make the distance between Mrs. Clemmens' house and the station I have mentioned, in time sufficient to upset the defence, sir."
And the look he cast at Mr. Ferris was wholly apologetic now.
"Ah, I understand, and at whose suggestion did you undertake to do this, Mr. Hickory?"
"At the suggestion of a friend of mine, who is also somewhat of a detective."
"And when was this suggestion given?"
"After your speech, sir, yesterday afternoon."
"At the hotel, sir, where I and my friend put up."
"Did not the counsel for the prosecution order you to make this attempt?"
"No, sir."