Hamlet.—Do you see yonder cloud that's almost in shape of a camel?
Polonius.—By the mass, and 'tis like a camel indeed.
Hamlet.—Methinks it is like a weasel.
Polonius.—It is back'd like a weasel. —Hamlet.
SHORTLY after the adjournment of court, Mr. Ferris summoned the two detectives to his office.
"We have a serious question before us to decide," said he. "Are we to go on with the prosecution or are we to stop? I should like to hear your views on the subject."
Hickory was, as usual, the first to speak.
"I should say, stop," he cried. "This fresh applicant for the honor of having slain the Widow Clemmens deserves a hearing at least."
"But," hurriedly interposed Byrd, "you don't give any credit to her story now, even if you did before the prisoner spoke? You know she did not commit the crime herself, whatever she may choose to declare in her anxiety to shield the prisoner. I hope, sir," he proceeded, glancing at the District Attorney, "that you have no doubts as to Miss Dare's innocence?"
But Mr. Ferris, instead of answering, turned to Hickory and said:
"Miss Dare, in summoning you to confirm her statement, relied, I suppose, upon the fact of your having been told by Professor Darling's servant-maid that she—that is, Miss Dare—was gone from the observatory when the girl came for her on the morning of the murder?"
"Yes, sir."
"A strong corroborative fact, if true?"