“I do, Miss Brellier.  And I am sorry that the evidence in this case is of no use to us.  Constable, take the prisoner away to await higher justice.  I must say that I think no other verdict upon the evidence brought forward could possibly be passed upon the prisoner than I have passed to-day.  I’m sorry, Sir Nigel, but—­one must do one’s duty, you know....  We’ll be getting back to the office, Mr. Murkford.”  He beckoned to his clerk, who rose instantly and followed him.  “Good afternoon, gentlemen.”

...  And so the whole wearisome proceedings were at an end—­and Cleek had spoken no word of that would-be assassin who had come upon him in the dark watches of the night and sought his life.  He noted that Borkins looked at him in some surprise, but held his counsel.  Borkins knew more than he had said upon his oath this day; of that Cleek was certain.  Well, he would bide his time.  There were other ways to work besides the open-handed fashion of the coroner’s court and the policeman’s uniform.  He was due to meet Borkins that night and discuss the possibilities of being taken on to work at the electrical factory.  Something might come out of that—­something must come of that.  It was impossible that the thing should be left as it was, and an innocent boy—­he was certain of Merriton’s innocence, in spite of the evidence against him—­should be hanged.

As he stepped out into the growing twilight Cleek touched Mr. Narkom on the arm and then ran over to the van into which the prisoner was stepping, his guardians of the law upon either side of him, his face white, his shoulders bowed.  ’Toinette stood a few steps distant, the tears chasing themselves down her face and the sobs drowning her broken words of comfort to him.  He seemed barely to notice her, but at sight of Cleek he flung himself round, and gave a harsh laugh.

“And a damn lot of good you’ve done me, for all your fine reputation!” he said sneeringly, his face reddening.  “God! that there should be such fools allowed to hold the law in their hands!  You’ve made a mistake this time, Mr. Cl—­”

“One moment!” Cleek held up a silencing hand as the name almost escaped Merriton’s lips.  “Officer, I’m from Scotland Yard.  I’d like a word with the prisoner alone, if you don’t mind, before you take him away.  I’ll answer for his safety, I promise....  Keep your heart up, boy; I’ve not done yet!” This in a low-pitched voice, as the two men dropped away from either side.  “I’ve not done by a long shot.  But evidence has been so confoundly against you.  I’d hopes of that I.O.U., but the whole thing was so simply explained—­and there were the proofs, you know.  Still, there was no telling how the story would come out.  But it was so obviously true....  Only, keep up your heart, lad; that’s what I wanted to tell you.  I’d swear on my oath you weren’t guilty.  And I’ll prove it yet!”

Something like a sob broke in Merriton’s voice.  He held out an impetuous hand.