“After the evidence of the last witness, I think I have a right to be heard at once!” he said with emphasis. “As matters stand at present, it looks as if I had trifled, sir, with you and the jury, whereas if I am allowed to make an explanation—”
“I must respectfully ask that before Mr. Aylmore is allowed to make any explanation, the witness I have referred to is heard,” said the Treasury Counsel sternly. “There are weighty reasons.”
“I am afraid you must wait a little, Mr. Aylmore, if you wish to give an explanation,” said the Coroner. He turned to the Counsel. “Who is this other witness?” he asked.
Aylmore stepped back. And Spargo noticed that the younger of his two daughters was staring at him with an anxious expression. There was no distrust of her father in her face; she was anxious. She, too, slowly turned to the next witness. This man was the porter of the Embankment lodge of Middle Temple Lane. The Treasury Counsel put a straight question to him at once.
“You see that gentleman,” he said, pointing to Aylmore. “Do you know him as an inmate of the Temple?”
The man stared at Aylmore, evidently confused.
“Why, certainly, sir!” he answered. “Quite well, sir.”
“Very good. And now—what name do you know him by?”
The man grew evidently more bewildered.
“Name, sir. Why, Mr. Anderson, sir!” he replied. “Mr. Anderson!”