Herbert Jenkins

“ It's an insult to intelligence and justice."
"To hang a man because his 's' resembles that of an implicating document," remarked Malcolm Sage, as he placed a red queen on a black knave, "is about as sensible as to imprison him because he has the same accent as a foot-pad."
"Then there's Blade's astonishing apathy," continued Freynes. "He seems quite indifferent to the gravity of his position. Refuses to say a word. ”

“ By the way, what is your line of defence?" he enquired.
"Smashing the handwriting experts," was the reply. "I was calling four myself, on the principle that God is on the side of the big battalions; but now I shall depend entirely on your evidence."
"The assault?" queried Malcolm Sage.
"There I'm done," said Freynes, "for although Miss Crayne's evidence is not proof, it will be sufficient for a jury. Besides, she's a very pretty and charming girl. I suppose," he added, "Blade must have made some sort of declaration, which she, in the light of the anonymous letters, entirely misunderstood." ”

“ The word 'only,' he always puts in its correct place. In short, he is so academic as to savour somewhat of the pomposity of the eighteenth century."
"Go on," said Freynes, as Malcolm Sage paused, as if to give the other a chance of questioning his reasoning.
"Turning to the anonymous letters," continued Malcolm Sage, "it must be admitted that the handwriting is very similar; but there all likeness to Blade's sermons and correspondence ends. Murdy has shown me nearly all the anonymous letters, and in the whole series there is not one instance of the colon or the semicolon being used. ”

“ 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.
"Not necessary?"
"I have asked Murdy to come round," continued Malcolm Sage, still intent upon his game. "I think that was his ring." ”

“ He's never out for the limelight himself, and he's always willing to give another fellow a leg-up. After all, it's our living," he added, a little inconsequently.
Freynes appreciated the inspector's delicacy in refraining from any mention of the Gylston case during Malcolm Sage's absence. ”

“ Blade protested his innocence alike of the assault and the writing of the letters; but two hand-writing experts had testified to the similarity of the handwriting of the anonymous letters with that of the curate. Furthermore, they were all written upon "Olympic Script," the paper that Blade used for his sermons.
Malcolm Sage had just started a new deal when the door opened, and Rogers showed in Robert Freynes. With a nod, Malcolm Sage indicated the chair opposite. His visitor dropped into it and, taking a pipe from his pocket, proceeded to fill and light it. ”

“ She hesitated, her hands clenched at her side, then with a manifest effort she appeared to control herself and, with a slight smile and inclination of her head, took the chair the schoolmaster moved towards her. ”

“ I'll telegraph to Blade to be there too. You had better bring the schoolmaster also."
"You mean——" began the inspector, rising.
"Exactly," said Malcolm Sage. "It's past eleven, and we all require sleep."
II The next afternoon the study of the vicar of Gylston presented a strange appearance.
Seated at Mr. Crayne's writing-table was Malcolm Sage, a small attaché-case at his side, whilst before him were several piles of sealed packets. Grouped about the room were Inspector Murdy, Robert Freynes, Mr. Gray, and the vicar. ”