Evening star., 1935-01-16
CHAPTER XLVIII.
SIR. WILLIAM

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<<rF THAT'S the case," said, 81
- can forgive every one. I've nc
grievance against the police
i anyhow. If they hadn't ar
rested me I should never nave
met Molly"
IAN the same" interposed Mr.. CreSs-
well, II presume you Will nave no oD-
lection to a proposal which was MADE
to us this morning by the treasury.
They have expressed their Willingness
to discharge the entire expense OF your
trial I have. in fact, already taken
the responsibility of accepting their
offer"
I looked at him with approval. you
did quite right" said. Nothing could
give me 50 much pleasure as to think
of Seymour being taxed in order to
pay my debts"
What are they going to do about
Mrs. Gowlland?" asked Molly.
Nothing" Mr.. Creswell smiled dry
ly. Though she was undoubtedly
an accessory after the crime, the occa-
sion is one on which the crown IS
disposed to exercise its prerogatlve OF
mercy. The case against her Will be
dropped" =.
we've done pretty well, taking IT
all around" observed Jerry content
edly. "The only thing left now Is tne
formula. wish to goodness we couio
hear from Avon! 1t would just put
the finishing touch to everything.
The old lawyer consulted his watch.
eff YOU can restrain your lmpauence
for about two minutes, Sir Jerrold, l
think it highly probable that your wish
will be gratified.'
what do you mean?" We all
three shot out the inquiry simultane-
ously.
II haven't mentioned it before
Mr.. Cresswell was evidently enjoying
himself-"but, as matter OF TACT, 1
had a conversation on the telephone
with Sir William before joining you at
the home Office. He expressed wish
to see all four of us this morning, and
since we had arranged to return 10
the fat after our interview, l sug-
eested that it might be convenient to
him to meet us here.
Twelve o'clock was the time he pro-
posed and as it's one minute to the
hour now I imagine that ne Will pe
with us very shortly. Whatever eise
may be said against them, successful
business men are genrally punctual:
There vas a sudden prolonged trlll
at the front doorbeQ.
Like a conJuring trick, isn't lt?''
remarked Jerry admiringly. Shove
away that glass, Nick, and for good
ness sake try to look pale and heroic!
think you ought to be holding Molly's
hand"
We heard Dawson cross the hall ana
the next moment the door opened.
"Sir William Avon," he announced.
Massive and erect, his famous lock
of white hair dropping forward across
his forehead, the great man stepped
past him into the room. A single
glance from his keen blue eyes seemed
to take in the whole lot of us, individ-
ually and collectively, and then with a
friendly smile that completely changed
his expression he stepped forward to
where Molly was standing.
Good morning, Miss O'Brien. /
am charmed to meet you again, and
am especially pleased that you were
able to be here today" He shook
hands with her and the two others,
and then turned to me. And how is
the patient?" he inquired.
practically cured" I said. I've
had so much good news this morning
that feel like getting up and dane
ing"
$50 the interview was success?" He
took a chair at the foot of the sofa
and threw a questioning glance in the
direction of Mr.. Cresswell.
II can't say that I am altogether
satisfied" replied the lawyer. but con-
sidering the reluctance of the official
mind to admit any possibility of error.
suppose that, on the whole We may
consider ourselves fortunate"
HE means that they've offered to
pay my expenses" explained.
Mot only that broke in Molly,
"but they're giving Nick the COM
mission for the new memorial. 1t will
be a lovely sian in the eve for all the