“Well, I thought I’d better be on the ground to see how it came out.”
Blake did not respond at once; but, lips very tight together, sat gazing at the ruddy face of his visitor.
“Everything’s going all right, isn’t it?” asked Mr. Brown in his cheery voice.
“About the trial, you mean?” Blake asked with an effort.
“Of course. The letter I had from you yesterday assured me conviction was certain. Things still stand the same way, I suppose?”
Blake’s whole body was taut. His dark eyes were fixed upon Mr. Brown.
“They do not,” he said quietly.
“Not stand the same way?” cried Mr. Brown, half rising from his chair. “Why not?”
“I am afraid,” replied Blake with his strained quiet, “that the prosecution will not make out a case.”