Gunnison news-champion., 1924-02-15
CHAPTER ~

For few months Ledsam disap-
peared from his usual haunts, his
clerk. acting under his instructions,
turning down four fine cases offered
him. At last he returned with VIII
more and. at dinner the arst night OF
their return. Andrew plunged boldly
into the forbidden subject.
They had consumed an excellent din
ner. An empty champagne bottle had
Just been removed. double liQueur
brandies had taken its place. Francis.
with an air of complete and even ex-
uberant humanity. had III huge cigar
The moment seemed propltious
Francis" his friend began. they
say at the club that you refused to be
briefed In the Chippenham affair"
Quite true" was the calm reply. Il
told Griggs that I wouldn', have any.
thing TO do with it,
WlImore knew then that all was
well. Francis old air OF strength and
decision had returned. His voice was
firm. his eyes were clear and bright.
His manner seemed even TO invite
questioning.
u think ! know why" Wilmore said.
"h"' shnuri like you to tell me in
your OWN words
Francis glanced around as though to
be sure that th,y were not overheard.
Because" he replied, dropping his
voice little. but still speaking with
great disrinciness, william Bull Is a
cunning and dangerous criminal whom
/ should prefer to see hanged
1T would be great achievement to
get him on" wilmore persisted. The
evidence is very weak In places"
Il believe that could get him on"
was the confident reply. THAT is why
! VIII not touch the brief. I think"
Francis continued, that have already
conveyed 1t to you Indirectly. but here
you are in plain words. Andrew.
have made up my mind that will de
fend no man in future unless I am
convinced Of his innocence"
THAT means"
1T means practically :he end Of my
career at the bar" Francis admitted
II realize that absolutely. Fortu.
naiely. as you know. am not depend
ent upon my earnings. and l have had
q wonderful ten years"
This is all because Of the Hilditch
affair. suppcse?'
Entirely"
Wilmore was still u little puzzled.
You seem to imagine that you have
something on your conscience as re-
CARDS that business" he said boldly.
Il have" was the calm reply.
Come" Wilmore protested. 'T don't
quite follow your line OF thought.
Granted that Hilditch was desperate
criminal whom by the exercise of your
special gifts you saved from the law.
surely his tragic death balanced the
account between you and society,"
TT might have done,'' Francis admit
ted. "if he had really committed sui
cide.'
Wilmore WIS genuinely startled. He
looked At his companion curiously
"what the devil do you mean. old
chapT he demanded. Your own evil
dence at the inquest was practically
conclusive as TO that"
Francis glanced around him with ap-
parent Indifference. but In reality with
keen and steaithy care.
My evidence AT the coroner's in
quest" he confided. was a subtly con-
cocted tissue Of lies. committed per
jury freely That is the real reason
why I've been little on the nervy side
lately, and why took these few
months out Of harness."
Good God!" wilmore exclaimed.
! setting down untasted the glass Of
brandy which he had just raised to his
lips.
Il want to finish this matter mp
Francis continued calmly. by making
. clean breast Of II to you. because
! from toniEh; am starting afresh. with
new interests In my life, what viii
practically amount to q new career.
That b why I preferred not to dine
nj fhe club tonight. although am look