Ronnie nodded.
"He won't be here for the—er—event," said Major Boyle. "Between ourselves, he said he couldn't stand it. An extraordinary thing. Have you seen Sir John Maxton?"
"No, is he here?" asked Ronnie interested.
"He's in the cell with the man—there he is."
Sir John's face was gray: he seemed to have shrunken. He had not expected to see Ronnie, but he made no comment on his presence.
"Good morning, Boyle. Good morning, Ronnie. I have just said goodbye to him."
"Aren't you staying?"
"No—he understands," said Sir John briefly. Then he seemed to be conscious of Ronnie's presence. The deputy had gone back to the hall.
"Ronnie, how could you come here this morning—and meet the eyes of this man so soon to face God?" he asked in a hushed voice.
Ronnie's lips curled.