“By conviction or habit?�

The judge scowled. “By conviction first, sir, and by habit last, and for good and all, anyway!�

Caleb Trench laughed softly. “Judge,� he said, “what of Jacob Eaton?�

The judge shot a quick look from under scowling brows. “Seen him lately?�

The younger man thought a moment. “Yes, last night. I owed Miss Royall some change and took it to the house. Eaton was there.�

“How much change?� asked Hollis abruptly.

“Six cents.�

“What!�

Trench reddened. “Six cents,� he repeated doggedly.

“And you took it up there and paid Diana Royall?�