When his story was finished Louis looked anxiously at me, but I was silent, having a mind to play with him a bit.
"It proves my innocence, doesn't it?" he asked at length.
"I believe it does," I answered. "The question is, will others believe it? You see, Maxwell will stick to his story as you will stick to yours. He is not likely to have any feeling of tenderness towards his betrayers."
"Do you see what you have done, you fool!" cried Mrs. Fordham. "You have set that beast John free, and you have put a halter round your neck! We have been tricked—tricked!"
She looked about her wildly, and Louis trembled in every limb.
I smiled amiably at her. "In that nice Liverpool party of yours there were four men—you, Maxwell, Morgan, and another."
"Jack!" he cried. "He can prove my innocence. He saw Maxwell stab me!"
"Yes," I said, "he is the only man who can back up your story and save you from Maxwell. If he could be found now, and be induced to speak the truth?"
"He must be found," screamed Louis; "he must be! For God's sake give me something to drink, or I shall go into a fit!"
His mother flew to the sideboard, and poured brandy into a glass, which she held up to his chattering teeth.