And the judge kept his eyes fastened on the handy-man's face.
"I seen a man cross McBride's shed, boss."
"And you have sworn that that man was John North."
"I swore to a lie. Boss, we got to fix it this way: I seen a man come over the roof and drop into the alley; I swore it was John North, but I never meant to swear to that; the most I promised Andy was that I'd say I thought it looked like John North, but them infernal lawyers got after me, and the first thing I knowed I'd said it was John North!"
"Your story is absurd!" exclaimed the judge, with a show of anger.
The handy-man raised his right hand dramatically.
"It's God A'mighty's everlastin' truth!" he swore.
"Understand, I have made you no promises," said the judge, disregarding him.
"You're goin' back on me!" cried Montgomery. "Then you look out. I'm a man as can do harm if I have a mind to; don't you give me the mind, boss!"
"I shall lay this matter before Mr. Moxlow in the morning," replied the judge quietly and with apparent indifference, but covertly he was watching the effect of his words on Montgomery.