Mr. Mathews sat down with a significant smile at the jury, and Ruby was led sobbing out of Court. "Robert Despard!" He stepped into the box—dressed in a dark tweed suit—cut in the newest fashion—the latest thing in ties, and a blue velour hat in his hand. He might have stepped out of a tailor’s fashion plate, which accurately described his appearance as "Smart Gents. The latest!" He looked round the Court quite at his ease, and nodded to a friend whose eye he caught; but he studiously avoided catching Rupert’s. He gave his evidence quietly, and without the slightest hesitation. He admitted visiting his friend’s rooms on the day of the races—he came to condone with him on his loss over the big race. Yes, he knew he was heavily involved. He found Miss Strode there alone; he spoke to her of the loss. No, he did not remember her telling him she had won over "Ambuscade." He was certain of this. Yes, he waited till Rupert came in. He sat alone in the room for a few moments after Miss Strode had gone and before Rupert came in. He did not notice anything in Miss Strode’s hand. "Did you notice a cheque or slip of paper—in her hand?" Mr. Marshall asked. "I must object to that, m’ Lord," interrupted Mr. Mathews. "I submit the witness is hostile, m’ Lord," replied Mr. Marshall. "I think Mr. Marshall is entitled to treat this witness as hostile," the Judge said. And Mr. Marshall again put the question. "No, I did not see a cheque or slip of paper in her hand." "Come, Mr. Despard, think again: did you not remark to Miss Strode that it was a cheque for her winnings?" "I have no recollection of any such conversation," Despard replied curtly. "Did you notice the blotter on the writing table, Mr. Despard?" "Yes." "Was it much used?" "No, it was perfectly clean." "Will you swear that it had never been used?" "No, I can’t swear that; but I thought——" Mr. Marshall broke in: "Never mind your thoughts; what we want to know is that you will not swear that the blotter was clean? ... Thank you, that is all." Mr. Marshall sat down. Mr. Mathews with a smile asked two questions only. "You said that this blotting paper was perfectly clean, but that you could not swear that it had never been used? Will you kindly tell us why you noticed this pad at all, Mr. Despard?" "I noticed it because the last time I saw it, it was covered with ink—worn out, in fact—and I naturally noticed the clean white sheet." "And you feel sure it had not been used?" "Yes—I feel sure I should have noticed it." "Thank you; you can sit down!" And Mr. Mathews resumed his seat. Other witnesses followed to prove that Rupert was not the man who sent the note to the bank; that the money was given to Miss Strode; that the word "hundred" on the cheque was not his writing. But here a difficulty arose, because Ruby had tried to copy the writing on the cheque, so that it was not recognisable as her writing either.