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CHAPTER IV.
It was not in human nature to forget the repeated slights and insults with which Tremaine had sought to wound the feelings of his old school-mate; but it was in human nature to imitate the divine exemplar, to forgive injuries, and to return good for evil, and Robert Dunning promised Sophia that he would do all in his power to effect the liberation of her husband. For this purpose it became necessary that he should visit Tremaine in prison. But the culprit obstinately refused to see him, until at length, finding the time draw near when he would be publicly arraigned at the bar, he consented to his admittance. Dunning gave him to understand that he must know the facts of the case, at the same time assuring him that he would plead his cause with pleasure, and that there was no doubt of his acquittal.
“The thing can be easily managed,” said Tremaine, doggedly—“I intend to plead an alibi.”
Dunning started.
“Is this necessary, Mr. Tremaine? I thought the charge could not be proven against you?”
“Nor can it, if you are the expert lawyer you are said to be.”
“Mr. Tremaine, let us understand each other. Is it important that you should plead an alibi?”
“It is.”
“Then I regret that I cannot undertake your cause. I was still under the impression that you were innocent.”