"Certainly"; then after a pause he added, "Kelton is prosecuting, and he's as moral as a swan. He'll appeal to the jury as fathers of daughters, and brothers of sisters."
Malcolm Sage made no comment; but continued smoking mechanically, his attention apparently absorbed in the cards before him.
"If you can smash the handwriting experts," continued the K.C., "I may be able to manage the girl's testimony."
"It will not be necessary," said Malcolm Sage, carefully placing a nine of clubs upon an eight of diamonds.
"I have asked Murdy to come round," continued Malcolm Sage, still intent upon his game. "I think that was his ring."
A minute later the door opened to admit the burly inspector, more blue-eyed and genial than ever, and obviously in the best of spirits.
"Good evening, Mr. Sage," he cried cheerfully. "Congratulations on the Adair business. Good evening, sir," he added, as he shook hands with Freynes.
He dropped heavily into a seat, and taking a cigar from the box on the table, which Malcolm Sage had indicated with a nod, he proceeded to light it. No man enjoyed a good cigar more than Inspector Murdy.
"Well, what do you think of it?" he enquired, looking from Malcolm Sage to Freynes. "It's a clear case now, I think." He slightly stressed the word "now."
"You mean it's Blade?" enquired Malcolm Sage, as he proceeded to gather up the cards.
"Who else?" enquired the inspector, through a cloud of smoke.
"That is the question which involves your being here now, Murdy," said Malcolm Sage dryly.
"We've got three handwriting experts behind us," said the inspector complacently.
"That is precisely where they should be," retorted Malcolm Sage quietly. "In the biblical sense," he added.
Freynes laughed, whilst Inspector Murdy looked from one to the other. He did not quite catch the allusion.
"You have done as I suggested?" enquired Malcolm Sage, when he had placed the cards in their box and removed the card-table.
"Here are all the letters received up to a fortnight ago," said the inspector, holding out a bulky packet. "Those received since have each been sealed up separately by the vicar, who is keeping half of them, whilst I have the other half; but really, Mr. Sage, I don't understand----"