Hale bit his finger with vexation. "I anticipated that objection," he interrupted in hard tones, "and I knew you would make it."
"In the interest of Mrs. Walker I must make it."
"Yes! yes. But the fact is, that only Mrs. Tait, besides the mother, knew where the certificate of birth and that of baptism were to be found. They are both dead, as you have heard, so----"
"So," ended Jabez rising to stand before the fireplace, "so there will be no chance of this young lady getting the money."
"Don't you believe my story?" demanded Maud angrily.
"Oh yes. One has only to look into your face, my dear madam, to be certain that you speak as you believe. But the law is not so tender-hearted as I am. The law requires proofs."
"The amethyst cross----"
"Is one proof, but others are required. Then, you see, the cross was stolen and has not been in your possession all these years. It is not a very strong proof of your identity."
"I can make an affidavit," said Hale sharply, "swearing that the mother me told where the child was to be found."
"Quite so, and doubtless Mr. Tait--then in the Bloomsbury lodging-house kept by his wife--can make another affidavit showing how the mother left the child in his wife's charge."