"Will you be good enough to behave yourselves," he said sharply. "This is a police court—not a music hall."
Then he turned to the counsel.
"I shall hand this confession to the police," he said, "and I have no doubt Mr. Horsfall will be ready to lend his assistance to any further action that may be taken. Meanwhile, I do not think it necessary to prolong these proceedings."
Gordon was on his feet immediately.
"You dismiss the case, your worship?"
The magistrate bowed. "The charge is withdrawn, Mr. Gordon," he said.
CHAPTER XXIII
Before the excitement had properly subsided, I was in the little room at the back of the court with Gordon and Inspector Neil. The latter closed the door, shutting out the confused murmur which we had left behind us.
"It's not my place to congratulate you, sir," he observed apologetically, "but I should like to do so if you will allow me."