Billy laid a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Neither would I, old son," he said, "but don't worry yourself about it I'll ring her up on the telephone as soon as I've been to Gordon, and see that she's all right. As far as to-morrow goes, I'll call for her and bring her round to the court-house myself, same as I did to-day."
I reached up and gripped his hand. "Thanks, William," I said. "You're what the Bible calls a very present help in time of trouble."
He laughed, and walking to the door tapped on it for the constable to let him out.
"One gets a bit of practice," he answered, "knocking around with you."
I had no more visitors that evening; indeed, nothing of any importance happened until next morning, when, about half an hour before I was due in court, Mr. George Gordon was ushered into my room. He was carrying a little black leather bag, but with this exception he looked more like a Bond Street loafer than ever.
"Well, it's good of you to come and relieve my harassed feelings," I said. "I was just wondering whether I should see you before the show started."
He put his bag down on the table and looked up at me out of his tired, expressionless eyes.
"Mr. Burton," he said, "I'm a busy man, even for a K.C.; but there's no work of mine that won't go to the wall if necessary until this case is settled."
I laughed cheerfully. "That will suit me fine," I remarked. "But I don't quite see where you come in."
He opened his bag and took several sheets of neatly written notes.