When the magistrate read these two words he became frightfully pale.
“You see, sir,” said Sutherland, “this is information which would be of material value to the cause of justice. I must, however, decline to enter into the matter before witnesses, and——”
“Clearly so,” interrupted the magistrate. “It would not be desirable for you to do so. I don’t desire it for a moment.”
“Then, sir, all I ask of you is to give me a private interview.”
“I am in duty bound to accede to your request. Mr. Todd, the prisoner has secrets of importance to communicate, and will you, therefore, be good enough to wait in one of the upstair rooms?”
“Certainly, your worship.”
The magistrate rang the bell. A servant appeared to answer to the summons, and Mr. Todd was conducted into another apartment in the magistrate’s house.
When alone with the prisoner Mr. Kensett turned the key of the dining-room, and looked inquiringly at Sutherland.
“Now, sir,” said he, “you have the opportunity of explaining yourself. You have written upon this paper your grandson. I do not know what you mean. I have no grandson, and if this is but a ruse, a trick on your part, I shall take very good care that you shall be severely punished.”
“It is no trick or ruse,” quietly observed Mr. Sutherland. “It is nothing of the sort.”