I felt bound in courtesy to invite Miss Trevor to make one of the party. But she refused, with a curtness that was almost rude. "I shan't waste any time running up blind alleys," she said sharply. "There won't be a shred of direct evidence against Campion, and the Court will be obliged to discharge him." "But the matchbox," I persisted. "Surely he will have to explain very convincingly how it came to be in his possession." "Well, you might ask Judge Hendricks why he doesn't read the papers once in a while," replied Miss Trevor, her black eyes snapping and her thin upper lip curling disdainfully. Evidently it was not for me to argue the case any further, and, personally, I was only too pleased that I should now have Betty to myself on the trip to Calverton and back. Shortly after luncheon we started, Betty driving her own pony pair to a trim basket-phaeton. To think of going anywhere nowadays in other form of conveyance than the gas-wagon! But I fully appreciated the distinction of an equipage really well turned out, and then I was sitting at Betty Graeme's side; yes, I found it all very pleasant. Arrived at Calverton I dropped Betty at White and Callender's, put up the team at a livery stable, and found my way to Justice Hendricks' chambers. Warriner joined me a few minutes later, and presently my former acquaintance, Sheriff Greenough, brought in the prisoner and the hearing began. Dave Campion was a rather good-looking mulatto, keen-eyed, and apparently quite able to take care of his own interests. On being questioned by the judge, he made no secret of his having been at the "Hundred" the morning of June the twenty-first. "Had you not been warned by Mr. Francis Graeme not to trespass upon his property?" asked Judge Hendricks. "Yes, sir." "Why did you disregard that injunction?" "I went to the 'Hundred' on business." "What sort of business?" "Private, sir. With Mr. Graeme himself." "Did you see him?" "No, sir. Marcus, the house-boy, told me that he was at work in the library, and had left orders not to be disturbed." "Then you were in the house?" "Yes, sir. I went to the kitchen door, and Marcus took me to the butler's pantry." "Where was Effingham?" "At work in the dining room. I didn't see him at all." "How long were you in the house?" "About twenty minutes, I should say, sir. It was just quarter after one o'clock when I went away." "What did you do then?" "I went to the south lawn, and saw Zack Cameron." "He bought some article, or articles, from you?" "Yes, sir." "How did Mr. Graeme's matchbox come into your possession?" "I found it in the road nearly opposite S. Saviour's Church?" "When?" "About two weeks ago, sir." "And you came to the 'Hundred' intending to return it to Mr. Graeme?" "Yes, sir." "That's all for the present. No; wait a moment. What particular article did you sell to Zack Cameron?" Campion hesitated for a barely perceptible interval; then he answered steadily: "A pint of whiskey, sir."