"You did. It was you I struggled with in the avenue when you came out after burying the will under the sundial. You snatched at my watch-chain and got the opal in the matrix----"
"Yes," said Rupert, taking up the story, "and when we went to examine the hole where the will was buried, you dropped the opal when my back was turned and allowed me to find it, so that the blame might be thrown on Mallien."
"It's a lie," said Carrington, folding his arms and looking dogged, "and I wonder at you defending a man who is going to rob you of your property."
"I dare say you do wonder," retorted the Squire acidly. "Honest behavior is always a mystery to you. No wonder you followed Mrs. Beatson and induced me to do so, Carrington. You had written that anonymous letter to her and knew that she was going to find the will. Your plot was a very clever one, but it has failed completely."
"And I dare swear it has failed," said Tollart in his booming voice, "because the Squire is such an honest man."
By this time the perspiration was streaming down Carrington's face. He was now in danger of his life and knew it only too well. Yet the man was brave enough, and doggedly refused to admit what was said, in spite of the overwhelming evidence. Rupert had no cause to love his treacherous friend, and regretted that he was obliged to have him arrested; yet he could not help admiring the persistent way in which the man fought for his liberty and life.
"Who accuses me of being in Barship on that night," he demanded, raising his head, "a drunken doctor and a senile sexton. Those are nice witnesses. They have been bribed by Mallien to save his own skin."
"I don't waste money in unnecessary bribes," snapped Mallien.
"And I don't take money for performing my duty," said the doctor frowning. "I have one great fault which everyone knows of. I may be a drunkard, but I am not a murderer," he finished scathingly.
"I am not a murderer," persisted Carrington, fighting desperately, and gaining courage, now that he found himself with his back to the wall. "I never came down to Barship on that night. I can prove that I was in London."