The charge was read by the clerk, and Mr. Lester Ruggles, K. C., rose to his feet. He was a barrister of some fame and, like the solicitor who instructed him, was retained in cases which counsel of better repute would refuse to handle. But he was skilled in the law, a biting cross-examiner, and something of an orator.
“I appear for the prosecution, your Worship, and at the outset I must ask you to grant an adjournment. I propose merely to give formal notice of arrest.”
“I should like to know something of the case,” the magistrate suggested quietly.
For the first time Gaunt allowed his eyes to roam round the court and he at once saw two ladies heavily veiled seated a few rows away. It did not need the sight of Edward Drake to tell him who they were, and his heart was beating rapidly when he recognized his wife.
“She has not failed me,” was his thought, and instinctively his shoulders were thrown back, and a smile played about his mouth.
“The case is a very serious one, for it involves a charge of murder. I represent the Belgian government, who are acting for the authorities of the Congo Free State. Your Worship is probably aware that the Belgian colonial office has taken over the Free State. Some fifteen years ago the prisoner, John Gaunt, entered the service of the Congo.”
“Mr. Ruggles, am I to understand that the charge of murder dates back fifteen years?” the magistrate asked quickly.
“That is so, sir; but I think I shall be able to put forward good reasons for the delay. I was saying that the prisoner entered the services of the Free State, and was appointed to the charge of a district. It is necessary that your Worship should know something of the state of affairs in that country. I fear that the morals of West Africa are such that we should not understand in our frigid climate, and I regret to say that the officials have been in the habit of providing themselves with native wives.”
The color slowly ebbed from Gaunt’s face as he listened. There was a touch on his shoulder, and his solicitor whispered in his ear.
“The Baron says there is still time.”