"I object, m' Lord!" Mr. Mathew interposed.
"Will you state the grounds of your objection?" the Judge said.
"Certainly, m' Lord; I am instructed that the person who has executed the affidavit is merely an accomplice of the prisoner at the bar, and their relationship is such as to warrant the gravest doubts of its genuine nature. I am instructed, m' Lord, not to accept this confession, and I must insist on my right to cross-examine, if this affidavit is put in."
"Are you prepared to call this witness, Mr. Marshall?"
"I am in your Lordship's hands; if your Lordship rules that I cannot put in this affidavit without, I have no alternative."
A buzz of conversation was instantly suppressed by a loud cry of "Silence in Court!" from the usher.
The Judge replied: "I so rule. Let the witness be called!"
"Ruby Strode!" Mr. Marshall said in a loud voice.
"Ruby Strode!" came the stentorious tones of the usher.
Every eye was turned to the door by which witnesses enter, and the strain of expectancy was intensified by a second loud call, "Ruby Strode!" followed a moment later by sounds of scuffling feet and eager whispers, as a slight figure, wearing a small toque, and thick veil, came through the door, and quickly made her way to the witness-box.