“You think so?” said Tarbot eagerly. In spite of all his efforts his eyes danced now with malignity.
“I am certain of it,” said Cornish, glancing up at him in some surprise. “The man will hang for the crime. The jury will convict him, and there won’t be a loophole for the commutation of the sentence. I am sorry for the young wife.”
“Yes, she is the one to be pitied,” said Tarbot.
“If any further particulars come to light you will acquaint me?” said Cornish.
“Yes,” replied Tarbot, rising as he spoke. “By the way, have you given orders for the exhumation of the body?”
“Yes, the doctor for the Crown goes down to Great Pelham to-night with his assistant and the usual officers from Scotland Yard. You clearly understand that Pelham is only remanded for the present—he cannot be committed for trial until the body has been exhumed, and it is clearly proved that the child swallowed the poison.”
“Yes, yes, I see. Well, you are losing no time.”
“I am not. In a matter of this sort there is no good in lingering over things. From what you have told me it is only a mere matter of form. The child of course swallowed the hyocene. Pelham will be committed for trial in a few days. You, of course, Dr. Tarbot, will be served with a subpœna to appear as witness for the prosecution. Your wife will also have a notice to appear.”
“Who instructs for the defense?” asked Tarbot.
“Wilkinson; and Merriman is the barrister. Merriman is the best criminal barrister we have, but he cannot fight a case like ours, although he will do his best.”