’That will depend in part upon what faith the judge who tried the case may place in your story.  Your deposition shall be taken, and it will be my duty to submit it to the Secretary of State.  He will probably be actuated by the weight which this further evidence will have upon the judge who heard the former evidence.  You will understand, Mr. Shand, that your word will be opposed to the words of four other persons.’

‘Four perjured scoundrels,’ said Dick, with energy.

‘Just so,—­if your story be true.’

‘It is true, sir,’ said Dick, with much anger in his tone.

’I hope so,—­with all my heart.  You are on the same side with us, you know.  I only want to make you understand how much ground there may be for doubt.  It is not easy to upset a verdict.  And, I fear, many righteous verdicts would be upset if the testimony of one man could do it.  Perhaps you will be able to prove that you only arrived at Liverpool on Saturday night.’

‘Certainly I can.’

‘You cannot prove that you had not heard of the case before.’

‘Certainly I can.  I can swear it.’  Sir John smiled.  ’They all knew that at Pollington.  They told me of it.  The governor told me about Mr. Seely, and made me write the letter.’

‘That would not be evidence,’ said Sir John.

’Heavens on earth!  I tell you I was struck all on a heap when I heard it, just as much as if they had said he’d been hung for murder.  You put Crinkett and me together and then you’ll know.  I suppose you think somebody’s paying me for this,—­that I’ve got a regular tip.’

’Not at all, Mr. Shand.  And I quite understand that it should be difficult for you to understand.  When a man sees a thing clearly himself he cannot always realise the fact that others do not see it also.  I think I perceive what you have to tell us, and we are very much obliged to you for coming forward so immediately.  Perhaps you would not mind sitting in the other room for five minutes while I say a word to Mr. Seely.’

‘I can go away altogether.’

’Mr. Seely will be glad to see you again with reference to the deposition you will have to make.  You shall not be kept waiting long.’  Then Dick returned, with a sore heart, feeling half inclined to blaze out in wrath against the great advocate.  He had come forward to tell a plain story, having nothing to gain, paying his railway fare and other expenses out of his own—­or rather out of his father’s pocket, and was told he would not be believed!  It is always hard to make an honest witness understand that it may be the duty of others to believe him to be a liar, and Dick Shand did not understand it now.

‘There was no Australian marriage,’ Sir John said as soon as he was alone with Mr. Seely.

‘You think not?’

’My mind is clear about it.  We must get that man out, if it be only for the sake of the lady.’

‘It is so very easy, Sir John, to have a story like that made up.’