"Never mind the piece," said Ezra, a trifle sternly. "I don't mind that, as long as I save my friend."
"I hope you will," said Caprice heartily. "I am certain he never committed the crime. What do you say?" turning to the detective.
"I'm beginning to be of your opinion," replied Naball candidly. "I did think him guilty once," fixing his eyes on Villiers, "but now I don't."
"What about the knife I gave you?" asked Villiers abruptly.
"Ah!" said Naball musingly, "what, indeed."
"I found it on the scene of the crime," said Villiers in a defiant manner.
"So you said."
"Don't you believe me?"
"Humph!"
At this ambiguous murmur Villiers gave a savage growl, and would have replied, but Kitty stopped him by waving her hand.