And then Colin Lothian's dog sprang about her skirts in joyful greeting, and followed her to the middle of the room.
Bailie Duke, after a consultation with Mr. Drever, called Thora to the table and administered the oath. She pronounced the words with grave solemnity.
"I understand, Thora," said Mr. Duke, "that you know something concerning the death of Colin Lothian?"
"Yes," said Thora. "I know all about it, Mr. Duke."
"What! You can tell how it happened? You know who committed the deed?"
Lothian's dog here licked her hand. She sent it away, and it wandered about the room until it came to Tom Kinlay.
"Yes, I can tell you that," she replied.
And then she turned round, pointing with accusing finger at Tom Kinlay, "'Twas him that did it. I saw it all. See, even the dog kens its own master's blood!"
At Kinlay's feet crouched Lothian's dog, snarling angrily as it looked at a stain on the young man's trousers.
Consternation filled me as I heard this terrible accusation. Mr. Drever alone of those present seemed unmoved; he alone seemed to have expected it. Tom Kinlay's face grew pale and haggard, and he almost tottered as he stood there with all eyes directed upon him.