The Englishman seemed in a sort of brown study for a moment, but then he held out his hand, saying heartily:
“I don’t quite understand it, indeed, but you seem to have done wonders, already. The presence here of my unfortunate brother, so completely in your power, proves that. So does the fact that you seem to have obtained possession of the papers in so short a time. I’d no idea the American detective police was up to that sort of thing. Indeed, my dear sir, I trust the whole matter entirely to your discretion.”
“And I shall see you on Monday morning at ten?” said the Judge.
“Without fail,” replied Norton, “only I can’t see how I’ll take care of myself during the meantime.”
“You can manage that, I guess,” said the old lawyer, as he grasped his hat and hurried away.
His first care was to see that “Major Montague” was properly secured where he could be had when wanted, and he might well be pardoned any lack of anxiety as to where and how Mr. Ashbel Norton should worry away his time over Sunday.
The Major’s affair was a very easy and simple one, thanks to his hot temper and folly, but, as soon as that was attended to, Judge Danvers had an errand to the house of Dr. Manning.
His conference with the good physician was by no means a brief one, and Val’s kind-faced mother was called in for her share of it, but when it was concluded, Dr. Manning said:
“It’s really very wonderful, all of it. I’m very glad such an opportunity has come to me. Of course, you can depend on me for any amount of money it may cost to secure justice. How much do you require now?”
“Money!” exclaimed the Judge. “Not a cent. Why, this is my affair. Do you take me for a pauper?”