"'Tain't my business to consider evidence," snapped the chief. "That's up to the prosecuting attorney."
"It will be," replied the lawyer sharply, "but at present it's up to you."
"Me?" exclaimed the other in genuine surprise.
"Yes," went on Judge Brewster calmly, "you were instrumental in obtaining a confession from him. I'm raising a question as to the truth of that confession."
Captain Clinton showed signs of impatience. Shrugging his massive shoulders deprecatingly, said:
"Are we going over all that? What's the use? A confession is a confession and that settles it. I suppose the doctor has been working his pet theory off on you and it's beginning to sprout."
"Yes," retorted the judge quickly, "it's beginning to sprout, captain!"
There was a sudden interruption caused by the entrance of the butler, who approached his master and whispered something to him. Aloud the judge said:
"Ask her to wait till we are ready."
The servant retired and Captain Clinton turned to the judge. With mock deference, he said: