He passed them to the man next him. They went from one to another, and the lantern followed them on their round. Each man examined them, and each nodded assent to Donald’s judgment.
“Let me see them,” said Finlay.
They were handed to him.
“I wrote neither of them,” he said.
“Your name is signed to one,” said Donald.
“I did not write it. I had hurt my hand on the day that note was written. I employed another man to write for me. The writing is his, not mine.”
“Name the man you employed.”
“Kelso, James Kelso.”
“Kelso was flogged yesterday,” said Donald, “and is in prison now. Do you expect us to believe that he is an informer? Is flogging the wages the Government pays to spies?”
“I tried to save Hope yesterday,” said Finlay. “Neal Ward, you have borne witness against me, tell the truth in my favour now.”