‘In that case, as Austin wasn’t there, they must have been mistaken.’
She looked steadily in Jimmy’s eyes as if challenging him to contest her statement. He marvelled at the faith a good woman will show in the man she loves, and he felt if Austin had by word or deed deceived her, hanging would be too good for him. He hesitated in replying, and she went on:
‘You understand what I mean? Austin was supposed to have been seen at the boathouse, and as he wasn’t there we deduced an impersonator. We find, in my opinion, the same thing here—probably the same man.’
‘In the boathouse case we imagined Cosgrove was the impersonator. Here it could not be Cosgrove, as he was present also.’
She nodded.
‘That is true certainly. Tell me honestly, Jimmy, what you think yourself.’
Jimmy hedged.
‘It’s not what I think, Lois, or for the matter of that, what you think, or even what Tanner thinks; it’s what the jury will think; and as you’ve asked me the direct question, I must tell you I greatly fear they will disbelieve Austin.’
‘I fear so too,’ she answered quietly. He felt she was conscious he had not answered her question, and was thankful she was going to let it pass. But his relief was shortlived.
‘You thought he was’—she hesitated for a moment—‘not telling you all he might?’