"Is this the bill?" asked the lawyer, exhibiting the note taken from the grocer, and now in the custody of the court.
Mr. Holbrook took the bill in his hand, and, turning it over, looked at the reverse side. All eyes were upon him, and there was a hush of expectation, for it was felt that the whole case hinged upon the answer to this question.
"This is not the same bill," answered the landlord composedly.
Bert's friends looked joyful, and Mr. Jones looked dismayed.
"He is mistaken!" ejaculated the grocer, much perturbed.
"Of course," continued the young lawyer, "you have some means of identification. Please state to the court how you know that this is not the same bill."
"The bill which I paid to Mr. Jones," answered the landlord, "had the letters I. W. written in red ink on the back. This note has no such mark."
Conway looked triumphant. It was his turn now. He took the bank-note, and holding it up in sight of all, called the attention of the court and those present to the fact attested by the witness.
"It is clear," he said, "that nothing was ever written on the back of this note in red ink."
"It might have been effaced," suggested the grocer querulously.