“There was something in his voice that interested me—something quiet and gentle; but the evidence against him was so strong and damning, that I could not bring myself to regard him favourably, or look upon him as the victim of a mistake.
“Presently the barman made his appearance; he seemed an intelligent fellow, possessed of powers of discrimination.
“He walked along the yard and looked steadily at the men who were grouped together for his inspection, and stopped abruptly when he came to Mr. Halliday.
“‘This is the one,’ he said, triumphantly. ‘I could tell him amongst a thousand.’
No. 64.
PEACE DESCRIBING TO THE TWO DETECTIVES HIS PLAN FOR RAISING SUNKEN VESSELS.
“The slender hope which had hitherto animated the prisoner now deserted him, and he fell on the ground in a heap, insensible. It was a terrible ordeal for him to have gone through, if innocent. Stepping up to the inspector, I said, ‘This is a remarkable case; but although the evidence seems against him, it is odd—isn’t it?—that he should take on so.’
“‘I don’t know. These fellows are up to as many dodges as there are days in the year. He must take his chance. He’ll have a fair trial to-morrow. Perhaps he can prove an alibi. If you take an interest in him you can talk to him. I won’t lock him up again till you’ve done your little bit of palaver.’
“Thanking the inspector, I returned to Mr. Halliday, and was glad to see that he showed signs of returning animation. Some good Samaritan had sprinkled his face with water, and he had opened his eyes.