The detective seized the paper, and read aloud:
“‘It is one of the most remarkable cases of mistaken identity that has ever been brought to the attention of this court. The testimony of Nicholas Carter, the detective, of his assistant, and of Miss Nancy Nightingale, would seem to be conclusive, if the evidence they gave were not so entirely overwhelmed by the voluminous testimony in contradiction. But where a whole community comes forward, as in this instance, and offers what must stand as irrefutable testimony concerning the identity of the appellant, Mr. Ledger Dinwiddie, the duty of the court is obvious. Men and women of advanced years, who have known Ledger Dinwiddie since his birth, swear to his identity—and there can be no gainsaying them. Men and women of approximately his own age, who knew him in his childhood and youth, who attended school with him, swear to his identity—and there can be no question of their entire sincerity. A negro woman who nursed him in his babyhood, and who watched him grow to young manhood, swears to his identity, and demonstrates her fondness for him, now—and her love for him speaks in his favor even stronger than her words. On the other hand, the proof offered, establishing the death of the man called James Duryea, seems incontrovertible. There is only one conclusion at which this court can arrive, namely, that Ledger Dinwiddie has sufficiently established his identity.
“‘The judgment of the lower court is affirmed.
“‘All concur.’”
“Now, what do you think of that?” the detective asked, turning his glance from one to another of his companions at the table.
“It sounds to me,” replied Patsy, who was always plainspoken and who was apt to call things by their right names, “as if the judge meant to let you down as easily as possible, chief, but that he evidently believes you to be one of two things; a——”
“A liar, or a jackass,” Nick interrupted his second assistant.
“Well, that is putting it rather strong, chief. I didn’t mean to say exactly that. In the first part of that lengthy opinion, he cites case after case of mistaken identity, and tries to show that he hasn’t the slightest doubt of your sincerity; but all the same he implies that your zeal has got the better of your judgment—and that is what hurts most, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” replied Nick, nodding.