Trench was silent for a moment, and his face in the shadow eluded scrutiny. “I would have given my right hand to save her that notoriety,� he said at last.
Dr. Cheyney looked thoughtful, but there was the shadow of a smile in the depths of his mild eyes. “You’ve never asked me to finish my testimony,� he remarked. “I’m in the possession of a secret that would clear up all this scandal about poor little Sammy; I’ve waited three weeks and you don’t ask me. I wonder if you’re human, Caleb Trench?�
Trench swung around and faced him. The expression of his face, its power and its mastery and self-control had never been more poignant. “Dr. Cheyney,� he said, “it doesn’t concern me; let them say what they please.�
“On my soul!� said Dr. Cheyney, “I won’t tell you! You’re too pesky proud to live. I reckon they’ll say all you want and more too, young man.�
“Let them!� said Caleb.
XXVIII
IT was two days after this that Judge Hollis came into Caleb’s little office and found him at work in his shirt sleeves. The table and desk were covered with papers and open telegrams. The judge eyed the place critically. Order showed in the neat pigeonholes and the rows of packed shelves.
“In two years you’ll have me beat,� remarked the judge, “then I’ll take down my shingle.�
Caleb smiled wearily. “You forget that this only shows how far behindhand I am,� he replied; “you were never on trial for your life, Judge.�
The old man shook his head. “No,� he said, “and I was never the most conspicuous figure in the State. Caleb, you’ve been threatened?�