For the Defence

by Fergus Hume

"Never mind, my dear lady, you will later on," retorted Jen, with a nod. Then turning to Battersea, he resumed his examination. "You know the negress. Dido, who is in the employment of Mrs. Dallas?" he asked, mildly.

"Yes, sir, an' hawful female she is!"

"How so?"

"Well, sir." Battersea scratched his shock head. "She knows things as ain't good for 'er. 'Bout that devil-stick es you talks of."

"Oh," cried Jen, recalling Dido's denial, "she knows of that, does she?"

"Yes, sir, she do. Arsked me 'bout it, but I knowed nuffin, I didn't."

"What did she say to you concerning it?"

"Well, sir, when I brought a message from Dr. Etwald 'bout that devil-stick--"

"What!" cried Jen, interrupting sharply. "Did Dr. Etwald know about it also?"

"He did, sir. Leastways he arsked me to arsk Dido 'bout it."