"By Jove!" thought Fordyce, an inspiration flitting across his mind. "I'll risk it for Flirt's sake. Mr. Clinton," he said in a low tone to his solicitor. "We decided that I was not to be put into the witness-box. I've changed my mind. Call me as the first witness for the defence, if you please."
The solicitor shrugged his shoulders.
"I wouldn't if I were you," he remarked. "But as you like."
The court opened, Fordyce's case was the first to be called. The clerk read the indictment, the defendant pleaded not guilty, and John Mindiggle was asked to give evidence.
He did so, stating most emphatically on oath that the dog present in court was the animal that had bitten him.
Sub-Lieutenant Noel Fordyce, called and sworn, was equally emphatic in his statement that the dog was not with him on the day in question, and consequently could not have bitten the complainant. If he, Fordyce, had apologized, he had done so on behalf of another dog.
"And you can see for yourselves, gentlemen," he concluded, "that this animal is quite a harmless, well-conducted dog. I can affirm that to the best of my knowledge and belief she has never bitten or even attempted to bite anyone."
The magistrates consulted, and soon gave a unanimous verdict for the defendant.
"Costs, I presume, against the prosecution?" asked Fordyce's solicitor.
"Certainly; the prosecution is to pay costs," was the mandate.