"Nothing but his honesty to back him! Why, lynching's too good for him!"
And as though her utterance of the phrase were the prosecutor's cue, Murgatroyd sauntered into the room. He looked as fresh and unconcerned as though he did not know that a bloodless battle was being fought for him down at the State Capitol—a close battle, at that.
Challoner rose at once, and said nervously:—
"Billy, I——"
At the sound of his name, Murgatroyd turned. He had not seen them sitting there, and now bowed impersonally to all three.
"Want to see me?" he inquired suavely.
"Yes," faltered Challoner; and with a quick glance in the direction of the prosecutor's men, he added: "and alone, please."
Murgatroyd turned to his men and queried:—
"Anything new?"
Mixley pointed to the Morning Mail and to an unopened telegram upon the desk.