“If we suppress the fact of theft, then no one will be guilty. The jury will have to acquit him. How can we do away with the theft?”
And La Vigie spoke to him.
Some moments later Margaret knocked discreetly at his door.
“Come in,” he said. “I’m alone.”
“Well, father, what have you decided?”
He explained the new danger which arose from Maurice’s obstinacy. “Mr Battard gives us up. He declines to plead,” he said finally.
“Then who will defend him?” she asked, quite confused, “and how?”
“Don’t distress yourself yet, little girl,” he said. “I think I know a way.”
“What is it?”
“I’ll tell you later. Let me stay here now and think it over. It will involve making a great sacrifice.”